HELLO, I’M ALUNYA
I am here to support you through your journey of healing.
Hello, I’m Alunya Clark, a 47-year-old woman who has embarked on a journey of resilience and transformation following the challenges of being the spouse of a veteran battling substance misuse and PTSD. My decision to leave a 22-year marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on healing, self-discovery, and growth. Through my own experiences, I’ve understood the importance of community support and the strength that arises from shared understanding and compassion. This fuels my mission to offer hope and encouragement to other women on similar paths.
My 25-year-old son Isaiah is my constant buddy through life’s ups and downs, facing challenges by my side. He brings me immense joy and serves as my rock and motivation. Together, we navigate the hurdles that come our way, finding strength in each other’s resilience. His unwavering support and shared determination make him not just my son but also my closest friend and ally. In tough times, his presence fuels my determination, reminding me of life’s potential. With him beside me, I continue my journey of self-discovery and healing, knowing that we’re better equipped to tackle whatever comes our way.
With a BA in Psychology, an MS in Human Services, and certification as a life coach, I bring a comprehensive understanding to the table, enriched by personal and professional experiences within military and veteran communities. I’m dedicated to creating a resilient community where understanding, strength, and compassion thrive. Together, let’s navigate the path towards healing and empowerment. You are not alone. Join me in this journey towards collective healing and empowerment.
My heartfelt commitment is to ensure that every member feels acknowledged, heard, and supported throughout their journey. I am firmly committed to dismantling the barriers of isolation and stigma often surrounding struggles with substance misuse and PTSD, recognizing and honoring the unique experiences and emotions of everyone. Understandably, individuals may feel reluctant to acknowledge their loved ones’ challenges, given the stigma attached to these issues and the feelings of shame that can arise. They may also understandably worry about the potential consequences of seeking support, fearing that their veteran partners could discover their actions or negatively impact their careers, mainly if they are currently serving or have recently left the military. These concerns are valid and rooted in a deep-seated fear of repercussions.
Through sharing my personal stories, compassionate listening, and continual affirmation of everyone’s worth, I aim to foster a sense of belonging, hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose in every community member. Together, we illuminate the path toward healing, advocacy, and collective resilience, ensuring that every voice within the Circle of Unity Support is heard, valued, and elevated.
Here, no one faces their journey alone; united, we stand as a beacon of communal strength and healing against the adversities we encounter.
Circle of Unity Support is here to help lift you up.
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Community Journal
Read from fellow veteran spouses and military spouses on their struggles as caregivers for those with PTSD and substance dependency.
my journey
YEAR BY YEAR
1998-2006
THE BEGINNING OF A MILITARY SPOUSE’S JOURNEY
I married my husband, an active-duty service member, and we had our son. As a young wife and mother, I had to quickly adapt to the challenges of military life—frequent PCS moves, adjusting to new communities, and managing our home while my husband focused on his career. Although I had grown up in military life (my father served in the Air Force), being a military spouse was a unique experience.
2006-2010
EARLY SIGNS OF CHANGE
During this time, my husband completed two combat deployments. When he returned from his final deployment, everything appeared normal. Still, looking back, I noticed subtle changes in his behavior—mood shifts and emotional distance that I didn’t fully understand at the time.
2011-2017
THE ESCALATION OF PTSD AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE
After two more combat deployments, my husband’s PTSD worsened. He began using alcohol as a coping mechanism to numb his emotional pain. His drinking escalated, and our daily lives were increasingly affected. What had started as subtle changes became a severe issue that overshadowed our family life.
2017-2019
THE BREAKING POINT
Despite worsening PTSD and substance misuse, my husband continued functioning in his professional role. However, at home, the situation was different—his drinking had intensified, and the emotional distance between us grew. His refusal to seek help due to the stigma of appearing weak as a leader became a significant barrier.
2020
WALKING AWAY AFTER 22 YEARS OF MARRIAGE
After 22 years of marriage, I made the heartbreaking decision to leave. It was a choice I never imagined I would have to make, but I knew it was necessary for my well-being. Years of trying to support my husband through his struggles with PTSD and substance misuse I had taken an emotional toll on me. I realized that staying in the marriage was slowly eroding my sense of self, and I needed to prioritize my mental and emotional health to heal and rebuild my life. Although it was tough, walking away was the first step toward finding peace and rediscovering who I was outside the roles I had played for so long.
2021-2022
HEALING AND LOSS
Shortly after leaving the marriage, my husband passed away in 2022 due to health complications. His death marked the end of a long and painful chapter in both of our lives.
2022-Present
FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH HEALING AND SUPPORT
I felt a deep sense of purpose in sharing my story, though it was difficult because it required me to be vulnerable. I knew, however, that many other women were silently struggling behind closed doors. To reach and support them, I began sharing my healing journey publicly by launching my blog as a platform for military and veteran spouses dealing with PTSD, substance misuse, and loss.
I aim to connect with a broader community and provide insights from my experiences, offering support and encouragement to others facing similar struggles. Through sharing my journey, I hope to create a space where others feel less alone and more empowered in their healing.
and the story continues