Getting out of the military requires patience, planning, and work. The transition phase after service is challenging for most veterans, and tasks like securing a job and supporting your family can be challenging after years of service. Below is a list of ways to relieve stress when transitioning from military to civilian life.
Establish a Daily Routine
Establish a daily schedule with specific activities, including eating meals with family members, applying for jobs, and going to the gym to maintain your time management skills and balance your days. Activities such as taking short walks during the day help relieve stress if transitioning to civilian life causes anxiety. Performing those tasks you used to do in the service accelerates the adjustment process. Area guides provide hotel options if you are a travel enthusiast to facilitate resilience against stress associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.
Expect a Challenge
Military-to-civilian life transitions are challenging at times. There is an adjustment period whether you’re returning from the National Guard, Marine Corps, or any other military experience area. You may feel unsure and aimless regarding ways to apply your military experience when spending quality time with family members. Injury and combat exposure can be challenging for individuals transitioning to civilian life. Anticipating the struggles, such as financial and familial, is crucial to have a successful transition from military to civilian life. Knowing those challenges you’re bound to face after the service allows you to prepare by applying the proper techniques to overcome the struggles. The right treatments, therapies, and support system is crucial to facilitate a smooth transition to civilian life.
Attend Therapy Sessions
Veterans face multiple issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health issues, and substance abuse, when they return to civilian life. Such problems are frustrating for veterans and family members and may hinder the smooth transition process. Family counseling sessions are essential as they allow families and veterans to understand the impact of active service and duty on a person’s transition to civilian life. Family therapy sessions will focus on the following:
- Facilitating an easier transition to civilian life for veterans
- Identifying mental health disorders
- Developing helpful communication skills
- Establishing a supportive environment
Transitioning from military to civilian life is challenging at times. With the support of loved ones, family, and mental health experts, veterans can successfully switch from military to civilian life.
Contact Employers Hiring Veterans
Contact employers who actively hire veterans after military service to accelerate the transition process. You can seek a job related to military service by researching recruiting websites. Veteran-friendly employers understand the potential challenges veterans and their family members go through during the transition phase but also appreciate the skills they bring to their company. Even if you aren’t seeking a military-related job, the experience you gain during military service makes you a unique candidate. You can boost your resume by highlighting essential skills, including time management, technical skills, following directions, and meeting managerial expectations. Military experience makes an individual well-rounded in multiple areas of life. Even though returning from the military to civilian life is challenging, it’s crucial to note that you bring valuable skills to the workplace and beyond.
Seek Treatment for Mental Health Symptoms
The most crucial tip for returning to civilian life is to be mindful of mental health symptoms. Not all active duty members get exposed to combat or experience trauma, but there are multiple ways your military service impacts your overall mental health. Conditions including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety are common among veterans making the transition process challenging if left untreated. You should beware of symptoms and signs of mental health disorders when you or your loved one returns from active duty.
Enroll in a Transition Assistance Program
A Veteran Transition Program enables military personnel to transition smoothly to civilian life after military service. The program provides courses, counseling, and training sessions to allow service members to adjust to civilian life. The transition assistance program helps military personnel by providing support and guidance as they seek a new career path. Pre-separation counseling is essential for all veterans and provides advice on multiple issues, including financial planning, health care, and finding a new career. The transition assistance program comes in handy to assist service members in reconnecting with family members and managing financial difficulties.
Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be challenging for veterans due to multiple issues, including depression, injury, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans with access to resources and support networks find the transition process smooth.
