It’s common knowledge that relationships are hard work. It takes communication, dedication, and lots of love to really nurture and tend to a relationship. However, first responder relationships are on a different level due to the strenuous and stressful environment of the job.
No one goes into a relationship with the intention of getting hurt, but sometimes, that can be the after-effect of being in a relationship with a first responder. Dealing with factors such as packed schedules, high-intensity work environments, and long periods away from each other can contribute to a stressful relationship. Fortunately, there are many ways to help support a first responder family.
Why Divorce Rate is So High For First Responders
Despite their heroic roles in society, first responders often face a different kind of challenge when it comes to marriage. The demanding and high-stress nature of their work can take a toll on their personal lives and relationships. Irregular work schedules, long shifts that can last days at a time, and working on holidays can disrupt marriage dynamics pretty quickly. This is just the tip of the iceberg for first responder families.
In addition to unpredictability in work-life balance, exposure to traumatic and stressful events on a regular basis can lead to emotional and psychological strain. This can also seep into the cracks of a marriage, and the emotional burden can become too much for both parties. This can affect communication, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. Their required commitment to their profession can also overshadow personal relationships as a whole, putting the marriage on the back burner unintentionally.
Tips to Keep Your Marriage Strong as a First Responder Family
It’s important to know, that despite these challenges, many first responders maintain successful and fulfilling relationships. Open communication, mutual support, understanding, and professional help are needed to overcome the challenges. Below are some practical strategies that can help reduce the divorce rate among first responder families.
Communication Exercises
Communication is vital to first responder families as is in the job itself. You must communicate when you want space, when you are going to be gone, and most importantly, when you are not okay. Whether it is to vent or to seek assistance, communication is key. Start doing exercises with your spouse to improve your communication, like revealing one truth about the day, or talking about your feelings at the end of the day.
Planning Date Nights
With first responders, you aren’t dealing with a simple 9-5, Monday through Friday job. The unpredictability makes it hard to schedule your alone time together. As you know your schedule throughout the week, start planning date nights for you and your spouse so that you have something to look forward to. This will help with intimacy and communication as well.
Support Systems
While the relationship is centered around the two of you, know that you are not alone in this and that it's okay to seek outside support. You may find value in marriage coaching, separate counseling, or other resources like support groups that can help you process what you are going through. Don’t shy away from support, and see what you can build when you have a system.
Source: Caroline G (2024) First Responder Marriage: 6 Healthy Tips
Source: Rachelle Zemlok (2022) 3 Tips for First Responder Spouses to Maintain a Happy Marriage
Source: Bryan Fagen (2023) Why Do First Responders Get Divorced?
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