July 31, 2015, by Brooke Chaplan – Veterans who are transitioning from active military service into civilian life face a unique set of challenges. While many appreciate the opportunities they have to be with family again and to concentrate on old interests and hobbies, some veterans find they have changed while in service. These individuals need to find resources that can help them adjust to the many aspects of civilian life, including work, healthcare, finances, and personal relationships.
Homes for the Injured
Homes for Our Troops works to provide accessible homes to those who have been injured while in the military. This service is important for those who are in wheelchairs or who have lost limbs. Homes for Our Troops helps to integrate severely wounded veterans and their families into a neighborhood and feel welcomed in a safe environment.
Medical Services
Perhaps the most well-known veteran service is the Veteran’s Administration, or VA. The VA has clinics and hospitals around the country that provide free or discounted medical services to veterans. A lawyer like those at the Law offices of Ball Johnson can help those veterans who are struggling to receive their allotted health benefits or veteran disability benefits.
Counseling Services
Many veterans struggle with depression or anxiety following service, while others have a more severe form of anxiety known as posttraumatic stress disorder. Counseling services through Veteran Centers can provide a welcome place for them to receive therapy to work through their memories and current struggles. However, counseling is also a smart move for anyone struggling to reintegrate within civilian society.
Connecting with Others
Sometimes veterans struggle to find others who understand them, and can connect with their experiences while in service. Connecting with someone who has gone through a similar circumstance can greatly help. The National Resource Directory can help connect veterans as well as their families and fosters strong bonds between them.
Adjusting to Civilian Work
Of course, most veterans desire to return to an everyday job unless they have retired with the military. It can be hard to transition to civilian work because there may be less structure or discipline than there was in the military. A service called AfterDeployment can help with this transition by providing work assessments, tools for success, and a community of other veterans who are going through the same transition.
With these government and civilian services, American veterans can find the help they need to transition back to everyday life. While some of these services are only for those who have seen combat or been injured, other options are available for any veteran. These services can help provide a sense of worth, stability, and independence. Don’t miss out on taking advantage of help and support where you most need it.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.