One day, you’re surrounded by a built-in military community. The next? You’re starting over. Again.
Loneliness isn’t just a mood—according to the Surgeon General, it’s an epidemic. And military spouses, whether still in the game or transitioning out, are getting hit hard.
In this episode of MilSpouse Transition Conversations, we’re digging into loneliness in our military spouse community and through transition with Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and military spouse who gets it.
We’re talking about
- why building friendships feels harder than ever,
- what loneliness is really doing to our health, and most importantly
- how to break the cycle and find your people again.
We’re covering all this—and more—because no MilSpouse should have to figure this out alone.
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Meet our Guest
Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, LCSW, MSG – Founder and Executive Director, Strength in Service + Founder and CEO, Through the Kaleidoscope Lens Therapy & Consulting
Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka is the heart behind Strength In Service and Through the Kaleidoscope Lens Therapy & Consulting.
She is a compassionate leader dedicated to the well-being of military families and the professional growth of social workers. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and military spouse, Crystal understands the unique challenges faced by service members and their loved ones.
Currently pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work at USC, she specializes in mental health and gerontology, ensuring tailored, empathetic care for those she serves.
The Conversation Q&A
- What do we mean when we say an “epidemic of loneliness?”
- How does the constant cycle of saying goodbye—to friends, jobs, and support systems—affect a military spouse’s mental and emotional well-being?
- How can loneliness manifest in military spouses beyond just feeling “alone”? Are there physical or emotional symptoms?
- Are there specific therapy techniques or tools that can help military spouses reframe loneliness and work through it?
- How can military/DOD leadership better support spouses who are struggling with loneliness?
Resources for You
During the show we mentioned several resources to check out:
If this topic is of interest to you, we recommend you preview The Surgeon General’s Report: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023. Dr. Vivek H. Murphy does an amazing job of breaking down social health and how it affects our nation, communities and individuals.
Our guest mentions the book, The Art and Science of Connection, by Kasley Killam, MPH as one of her favorite books on the subject.
Finally, she also talks about the New York Times “Butterfly or Firefly: What’s Your Friendship Style” quiz. It’s only 10 questions long and takes just a minute or two. I’m even sharing my friendship type below. Will you share yours with me?
P.S. It’s pretty spot on!
Connect with our Guest
Here is how to contact our guest:
