Serving one’s country is no easy task as it requires a lot of physical and mental strength. However, when the act of service has been concluded, vets often can find themselves at their weakest. Here are some of the difficulties that vets may face when re-adjusting to civilian life. 

Deteriorating Mental Health

Many veterans deal with depression and other mental illnesses when leaving the military due to several factors, such as:

  • Having a disability
  • Not being able to find work
  • Dealing with a broken family life

While there are resources that can help with battling depression, some people might not want to partake in treatment for fear of being stigmatized, in addition to a lack of finances. Vets in need of assistance can look for the services of a military lawyer for help connecting with the proper resources.

Re-establishing Familial Ties

Having been gone for so long, you might find that your family dynamic has changed. This change could be in the daily routine or how your family responds to you in general. These changes might be especially evident when dealing with your children, who have grown so much in your absence. 

Spending as much time with your children following your return and talking to them about why you were away can help them become familiar with you. With time they will likely grow comfortable with your return. You can also consider scheduling family counselling sessions if you need additional assistance.  

Preparing for Work as a Civilian

If you went into the military right out of high school waving your us army flags, you might not know how to look for a civilian job, much less write a resume or go on an interview. Luckily, many online resources can help you with a cover letter, resume, interviews, and more. 

Homelessness

One of the sad truths about returning home from serving in the military is that some vets end up with no home once they arrive back. This problem becomes the plight of many because of a lack of sufficient income, mental illness, drug addiction, and more. 

Managing Personal Services

When in the military, things such as dental and medical visits are provided for you. However, when navigating civilian life, you will have to procure these services, along with insurance, all on your own. These tasks can be quite challenging for someone suffering from a mental illness. However, the Department of Veteran Affairs can help with the process.

Physical Disability

Another sad reality that many veterans face is returning home with serious injuries such as scars or even missing limbs. These injuries can sometimes make it almost impossible to obtain and keep regular employment. Not only can the injuries cause physical limitations, but dealing with a disability can retard a vet’s emotional stability as well. If you are having difficulty getting your benefits, a Georgia veterans disability attorney can help you. 

Becoming a Self-starter

In the military, you are told when to do everything, from what time to wake up, when to eat, when to work, et cetera. As a civilian, you will now have to learn to be responsible for yourself and make sure you are self-disciplined. 

While it might be easy to wake up and go to work, some veterans might find it challenging to prepare proper meals for themselves. Meal prepping for the week can be a great way to help combat this hurdle as it doesn’t require daily preparation or thought.

Finding One’s Purpose

If you are someone who has been in the military for several years, it might be a bit difficult re-adjusting to civilian life once your service is complete. However, a good way to help you maintain the sense of pride and fulfillment you had in the military can be by volunteering.

Re-establishing normalcy in your life after having serviced for some time can be quite the challenge, especially when there are other obstacles involved. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs can provide you with all types of resources that can help you readjust to civilian life as well as you possibly can.