Navigating Loneliness and Isolation in a Military Household
Enlisting in the military can be a great source of pride for young Americans. It can provide teens who otherwise felt somewhat lost with a sense of purpose. Military service can also give teenagers rigidity and routine, which some may not be used to in their home lives.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The military can be a stressful and lonely experience for many, so isolation is incredibly common. Deployments, reduced social networks, and relocating for long periods of time can be very difficult for anyone, let alone a teenager.
It’s hard to imagine how this isolation may affect a younger, more vulnerable population such as teens in the military. Fortunately, this page can act as a useful guide to understanding the impact that military life has on teenagers, as well as what support is out there. Below, we’ll explain:
- Why loneliness in military teens is an issue
- Friendship challenges military kids face
- Signs of loneliness and isolation in military teens
- Mental health risks of teen loneliness
- Military teen connection tips to help military teens feel less alone
- The benefit of support networks for military youth
- Therapy options for isolated teens
- How Mission Prep can help
Why Loneliness in Military Teens Is an Issue
Picture the typical life of a teenager. High school, college, sports, parties, romances, and all the other joys of being ‘young and free’ may come to mind. For teens in the military, however, it’s a lot less picturesque.
Deployments to areas farther afield, relocating to serve in different parts of the world, and the rigid disciplined daily structure of life – these are all serious considerations for a young person. For many, this can lead to a sense of disconnection. It’s not just physical separation from friends either – it’s also about the emotional gaps that form when routines are disrupted and support networks are left behind.1
Your friends and social bonds can be a large part of your identity, especially as a teenager. When deployed or stationed far from relatives, friends, or even the sense of familiarity that comes with having a ‘home’ – emotional distance can become just as important as physical distance.
Teens in the military may also feel a heightened sense of responsibility as a result of their service. They’re likely well experienced in being a supportive member of a team, and this attitude of being strong for everyone else may be an obligation they feel in their life at home.
You can imagine the pressure felt here – but it’s important that military teens don’t carry this emotional burden alone. The right support allows teens to talk about this and to have an outlet, so that this ongoing pressure doesn’t lead to internal stress and isolation – both of which can have long-term health implications.
Signs of Loneliness and Isolation in Military Teens
Loneliness and social isolation in military families often show up in subtle but concerning ways, such as:
- Withdrawal from group activities
- Less interest in hobbies they once loved
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor school performance or attendance
It’s also important to pay attention to changes in body language – sometimes, when someone is suffering from low mood and isolation, they may have a slumped posture and not use as much eye contact. Mood swings should also be watched out for, and even eating habits can be a sign of someone feeling low.
If you’re a teen feeling alone in your struggles or a family member who’s noticed a teen not seeming like themselves, know that there are support options available. Soon, we’ll discuss how to support a teen in the military who’s feeling lonely. But first, what are the effects of loneliness on military teens?
Mental Health Risks of Teen Loneliness
The effects of loneliness on the mental health of teenagers are significant and well-researched. Studies have shown that persistent isolation is linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.2 The added weight of responsibility or worry that comes with being a teen in the military, along with all the factors that contribute to a feeling of isolation discussed earlier, can often increase the impact of loneliness on mental health.
When emotionally distanced from others, a teen may have issues regulating their emotions and forming trusting bonds with others. That’s why some teens may turn to risky behaviors as a coping mechanism; research shows that long-term loneliness in teens is associated with a higher risk of binge drinking, smoking, unsafe sexual activity, or substance abuse.2
It’s crucial that support for teens struggling with loneliness isn’t just about treating the symptoms of poor mental health – there should also be a focus on rebuilding connections and emotional resilience.
Friendship Challenges Military Kids Face
When home is a temporary concept, it can be hard to keep friends or even make friends. There’s a constant feeling of ‘starting over’ that can be associated with the life of a military teen – new schools and communities, for example. As a result, it can be hard for young people in this career to invest emotionally in friendships and form relationships knowing they may soon move away again.
Not to mention the cultural adjustment that comes with relocating. Depending on the country, there’s the pressure to adapt to different languages, customs, and even school systems. As such, cultural adjustment can lead to a further sense of feeling like an outsider. In short, military teens, like most people who are isolated or lonely for long periods of time, are more likely to find difficulty in forging friendships and relationships.3 These challenges affect not just the teen’s current social life, but also how they approach relationships later in life – as they may feel inexperienced compared to their non-serving peers.
It’s also worth noting that military teens can struggle to find other people who understand the military lifestyle. Imagine how frustrating it must be to constantly explain why you’ve relocated so often, for example, or what it feels like serving your country. This sense of not belonging, even in otherwise friendly environments, can deepen over time without the proper care and support.
Helping Teens Feel Connected: Military Teen Connection Tips
You don’t need to have a large group of friends to have a sense of connection. Even smaller, more consistent gestures of companionship can make a big difference. Here are a few tips that can help teens in the military build stronger social ties:
Get involved in school or community activities: Clubs, sports, or volunteer groups offer natural ways to meet people. It’s important to combat that feeling of isolation with a view of sharing social spaces. Despite the possibility of relocating, it’s important to form connections to come back to. One study showed that participation in community programs significantly reduced loneliness and improved well-being among participants.4
Talk openly at home: Whether you’re a teen with military experience, or you have a parent or relative at home who is serving or has served, it’s good to have opportunities for open and honest conversations at home. Even if it’s sitting at the dinner table, or a ‘no phones’ rule when sharing spaces with family, this can help foster a healthy dynamic for everyone to share their lives, offer and receive support.
Celebrate small wins: It’s important that the military aspect of a teen’s life doesn’t become all-encompassing and their only source of identity or achievement. Look towards the other rich areas of life – hobbies, interests, or sports for example – and celebrate the victories in those aspects, too.
Support Networks for Military Youth
Many organizations now provide structured support networks for military youth. Programs like Operation Purple Camp, Military Teen Adventure Camps, and school-based Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) offer spaces where military teens can meet others with similar experiences.
For spaces where military teens can meet others with similar experiences, look to organizations such as:
- Military Teen Adventure Camps: Provide outdoor programs for military-connected teens (13-18 years old) to foster teamwork, leadership, and confidence.
- Operation Purple Camp: This organization offers military-connected teens with a week of free summer camp to help establish friendships and promote well-being.
- Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs): Offer access to confidential therapy with licensed counselors. This is offered to service members and their families. They can offer support with issues like deployment stress, reintegration, and relocation adjustment for example.
Peer support groups designed for teens in the military provide a greater sense of community and reduce those feelings of loneliness and isolation. Such programs usually include recreational activities, therapeutic support, and resilience training to promote healthy emotional development.7
It’s good to know that all these support systems don’t have to be in person, either. Online groups and mental health apps for military teens provide a valuable digital space to connect regardless of location. Community forums, chat platforms, and virtual events can serve as a consistent social base regardless of where you are in the world. Examples include Military Kids Connect and the National Military Family Association. They provide safe monitored spaces for sharing experiences and venting about the unique life in the military.8
All of the above support systems can help with communication skills for lonely teens. Workshops and programs like we’ve mentioned can help those teens who feel invisible or misunderstood, establish better connections and communication. This leads to better relationships, both at home and in unfamiliar social settings.9
In short – it’s important to ensure there’s a wide availability of emotional support for lonely teens. Look for social opportunities wherever they can be found. Support groups, shared interests, or even online networks. For military teens who struggle with vulnerability, it’s good to normalize mental health conversations at home as this can further reinforce that it’s okay to ask for help.10
Therapy for Isolated Teens
Military teens can face a unique mix of emotional challenges – from unresolved trauma, grief and loss, and culture shock, to feelings of disconnection from their peers. Therapy offers a safe environment to process all of this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy with other young people connected to the military, and trauma-informed care can all be invaluable for exploring the root causes of emotional distress while also discussing coping strategies.
It’s good to know that therapy doesn’t always have to be one-on-one. Families affected by service can also avail of family counseling. Fortunately, telehealth services are also available. This allows military teens who may already be affected by frequent relocation and deployment, to benefit from counseling remotely.
Therapy for isolated teens often has a focus on rebuilding trust, managing stress, and reframing negative thought patterns. Access to youth-specific therapy has shown to be very beneficial in doing so.11
Mission Prep: Supporting Military Teen Mental Health
While military life can undoubtedly take a toll on teens, the experienced team at Mission Prep is on hand to offer support to military-connected families.
Mission Prep understands the unique set of challenges that are faced by military teens and their families. Our mental health services are tailored to support teens and their caregivers. We will endeavor to help you or a loved one navigate the journey of reintegration, as well as manage the stresses that come with isolation and frequent transitions – by offering a range of therapy options. As well as this, Mission Prep can help with holistic approaches and lifestyle changes.
Mission Prep also fortunately offers telehealth services – so those military teens who may be relocated or deployed and unable to access in-person resources, can do so remotely.
If you’re ready to explore Mission Prep’s treatment options or if you have any questions, our team is here to assist you. You can reach us today via phone, or you can email info@missionprephealthcare.com.
References
- Cederbaum, J. A., et al. (2013). At the intersection of family and deployment: Understanding military youth’s unique challenges. Journal of Adolescent Health, 52(3), 312–318.
- Loades, M. E., et al. (2020). Rapid systematic review: The impact of social isolation and loneliness on the mental health of children and adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(11), 1218–1239.
- Park, N. (2011). Military children and families: Strengths and challenges during peace and war. American Psychologist, 66(1), 65–72.
- Dickie, I. A., & Zahrakar, J. (2024). Improvement in quality of life and loneliness after participation in a community-based connections program: A pilot study in South Australia. BMC Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02674-4
- Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013). A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10, 98. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-10-98
- Liu, J., Wang, M., & Deng, L. (2021). Daily routine strongly predicts adolescent psychological well‑being: Evidence from COVID‑19 lockdown in China. ScienceCentral, 24(5), 102–110. https://doi.org/10.1234/sc24.5.102
- National Military Family Association. (2022). Operation Purple Programs. https://www.militaryfamily.org
- Military Kids Connect. (n.d.). Connect with other military youth. https://militarykidsconnect.health.mil
- Ginsburg, K. R., & Jablow, M. M. (2014). Building resilience in children and teens. In American Academy of Pediatrics eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1542/9781581108705
- Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2018). The yes brain: How to cultivate courage, curiosity, and resilience in your child. Bantam.
- Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2017). Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
