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A Veteran’s Battle Continues
Veterans face a myriad of unique challenges when transitioning to civilian life. These challenges can range from finding a job matching their skillset to managing a decline in mental health caused by trauma.
Below is a brief, non-exhaustive list of the most common challenges veterans face upon reentry to civilian life, and valuable resources for help in each area of struggle:
Relationships & Belonging
Spending months in a land so completely foreign to their own, a veteran can come home and feel unsure about where they fit. How do they relate to civilians? How do they reconnect with friends and family and re-establish their role as a parent?
While simple, and somewhat obvious, the following options have helped individuals from all backgrounds and interests find community, and can do the same for veterans: volunteer work, joining a place of worship, joining a local social club, making friends work, joining a support group and getting to know residential neighbors.
Unemployment
Most of us received a call from our local military recruiters while still in high school. Many acted upon that call, resulting in a lack of college education.
Following any amount of service, a veteran may also have trouble translating their military skills into civilian work. Working as a helicopter mechanic in the military does not guarantee you will find work as a helicopter mechanic for a local company.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides career counseling services. Many employers offer special programs to hire veterans. Additionally, veterans may be eligible for the GI Bill, and receive financial aid toward education.
Homelessness
Most cities throughout the United States have a number of homeless individuals, many of which are veterans. The harshness of combat, and the realities of civilian life thereafter, are typical precursors to substance abuse and addiction. Addiction can take control of one’s life and render them homeless if not addressed.
There are quite a few resources for veterans at risk of becoming homeless. The Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families program provides financial assistance, such as security deposits and rent payments. Many state and local programs including housing vouchers are available to veterans. Non-profit organizations such as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans provide resources and assistance to veterans. Finally, veterans can reach out to their local VA hospital or clinic for assistance.
Disabilities
Veterans with disabilities may have challenges such as access to housing and healthcare, employment opportunities, and education. They may also face social stigma and difficulty in finding social support.
There is hope for disabled veterans, as there are various organizations dedicated to providing assistance with finding employment, housing, mental health counseling and legal aid. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of programs and services to help disabled veterans.
Mental Health
Our minds are intricate and complex, and war is harsh and brutal. Veterans face a variety of mental health challenges as a result of trauma in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
The Veterans Crisis Line, online support groups, and professional counseling services are all helpful tools in managing mental health.
Whether you are a new veteran, or long-since retired, and struggling with one or more of the aforementioned challenges, Veterans Disability Info understands your needs and can provide a plan of action to get you on the right track to a hopeful and fulfilling life. Call us today at 888-878-9350.
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