Why do Veterans struggle with reintegrating into civilian life?

There can be many reasons why Veterans struggle to reintegrate back into civilian life. one can be the difference in structure and expectations. For example in the military there is a black and white understanding of expectations and consequences. Military personnel know if they break a rule they will have a consequence and know what that consequence is. When they reenter civilian life and try to enter the workforce it can be very frustrating when they are working with coworkers who break rules with seeming no consequences. This can have a shocking effect and be very irritating to someone who is used to when there is a clear cut structure in place and that is not followed there are consequences and the chain of command can be very gray. Not good.

Next, structure is good for many people. In the military there are people who will literally hunt you down if you don’t show up on time. In civilian life, nope. No one’s coming and knowing that can provide an unending R&R opportunity the Veteran hadn’t been expecting. Family life also has changed. So if the Veteran is married there are many supportive services provided to the military for families, Upon discharge those go away. There is a community that active military and their spouses are a part of. Upon discharge this also goes away. There is a sense of pride that comes along with putting on the uniform every day. You know your purpose, so does your family, You are all involved in the united front. Upon discharge…what now? What is your identity now? Where do you live? What work do you do? Income suddenly becomes zero and the housing allowance is gone. Yikes! They are suddenly rebuilding a life again from scratch. And possibly with injuries-emotional and/or physical.

Did anyone say trauma? Any of that thrown on top and reintegration will seem near impossible. Let’s not forget if they do go back home they suddenly feel out of place. They’ve been living in a different world for four (in the very least) years. Ever lived on a military base or four years? Let alone any deployments and unpleasant sights and smells from that. How could their high school buddy even begin to relate to the world they just left? Yeah…there’s just a few things going on that make it tough for Veterans to reintegrate.

I suggest if you have a Veteran in your life provide support as you can, be as understanding as you can, and let them know you are always there to listen should they decide to open up.

Click here to read and learn more about Veterans.

-Holly