NATIONAL GUARD May 2023

All types of relationships foster 

connectedness, which improve 

overall health and performance 

CONTACT US

For more information on healthy relationships or other wellness topics, 

email us at: ng.ncr.ngb.mbx.integrated-prevention-branch@army.mil

CONNECTION IS KEY HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS 

BUILD RESILIENCE 

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CHALLENGE

FACTS & FIGURES: DID YOU KNOW?

STRONG TIES SUPPORT STRONG LIVES

• Less anxiety, depression, stress, and suicidal thoughts

• Better sleep, healing, and heart health

• Healthier food, alcohol, drug, and tobacco choices

• Greater sense of purpose and ability to cope

CHALLENGE your Service members to adopt at least one of 

the recommended resources to enhance their relationships

Relationship problems were the most common stressor reported 

among National Guard members; more than financial, legal, or 

workplace stress

Relationship difficulties were reported in 42% of suicides and 

44% of suicide attempts in the National Guard

A study of National Guard members found lower relationship 

satisfaction at six months post-deployment was significantly 

related to greater suicide risk at 12 months 

• Talk regularly. Take 15 minutes 

a day to connect with one other

• Listen intently. Put down 

electronic devices and give 

your full attention

• Share openly. Express your 

thoughts and feelings

• Think selflessly. Keep the 

other person’s needs in mind

• Work together. Divvy up 

chores and responsibilities

• Have fun. Do enjoyable 

activities together

• Create rituals. Establish 

traditions together

• Give space. Allow time for 

individual interests

• Offer support. Focus on 

encouraging statements vs. 

critical comments

TIPS FOR STRENGTHENING 

RELATIONSHIPS

PARTNERS

FRIENDS

FAMILY

TEAMMATES
• National Guard Family Program offers state-specific services and resources, to include Military and Family Life 

Counselors where available, to improve quality of life: 

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/tools/national-guard-family-program-lookup

• Military OneSource program provides support to rekindle, repair, or reset a relationship: 

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships

RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND

• Army chaplain-led retreats to enhance relationships: https://bsrt.army.mil

• Military OneSource program offers flexible, interactive tool to work through challenges: 

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/married-domestic-partner/military-relationships-support

What does it require?

• Mutual respect, support, and effective communication are the hallmarks of a healthy relationship

Why does it matter?

• Relationships are as important to overall health as diet, exercise, and sleep

• Connectedness forms a protective buffer that helps mitigate the risk of harm

What can you do?

• Talk to Service members about their relationships to create a supportive environment that promotes help seeking behaviors 

• Remind them that whether it is a romantic, familial, or platonic relationship, those connections form the foundation of our lives; 

any strain in those relationships should be addressed and not dismissed

• Provide opportunities for Service members to connect with others to increase their sense of belonging, purpose, and hope

• Encourage them to reach to someone they trust (e.g., chaplain, Director of Psychological Health, or one of the recommended 

resources) to address relationship issues

PROMOTE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS 

• Cohen Veterans Network delivers in-person and telehealth support to married and unmarried couples: 

https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org

SPOTLIGHT: ELECTRONIC PREVENTION & RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION PROGRAM (ePREP)

• ePREP combines online relationship education content with trained coaches to enhance communication and problem-solving skills

• Couples may complete the six modules together or separately

• After every two modules, participants practice learned skills with a coach online

• Initial evaluation being conducted by the Michigan National Guard in conjunction with Michigan State University demonstrates 

program effectiveness at improving communication, anxiety, depression and alcohol use

• For more information, email: ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mbx.ngb-j1-partnerships@army.mil

REFERENCES:

1. Department of Defense Annual Report on Suicide in the Military, 2021: https://www.dspo.mil/Portals/113/Documents/2022%20

ASR/Annual%20Report%20on%20Suicide%20in%20the%20Military%20CY%202021%20with%20CY21%20DoDSER%20(1).

pdf?ver=tat8FRrUhH2IlndFrCGbsA%3d%3d

2. What is social fitness? The basics of relationship health for military service members: https://www.hprc-online.org/social-fitness/

relationship-building/what-social-fitness-basics-relationship-health-military

3. Blow, A. J., Farero, A., Ganoczy, D., Walters, H., Valenstein, M. (2019). Intimate relationships buffer suicidality in National Guard 

service members: A Longitudinal Study. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 49 (6), 1523-1540. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12537

The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

• Air Force chaplain-led retreats to enhance relationships: https://www.angstrongbonds.org/about-us