Posted on Sep 10, 2017
Since leaving the military, what have you struggled with the most?
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For the longest time, for me, it was drugs and alcohol. I went through a period of time after separation that could only be described as rock bottom.
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Substance Use
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
I have suffered with constant anxiety and I do not like crowds. Loud noises are extremely bothersome. I have no patience for folks and their petty concerns and B.S.
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Mine was figuring out who I was. I never realized when I was in, how much the military was part of who I was. I knew who Sergeant Thomas was but it took me a while to figure out who David was. I think that is thing that no transition program can ever help with. It is something we all have to figure out for ourselves.
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SGT David T.
MSG Dan Castaneda - The funny thing is I tried really hard to compartmentalize when I was in. Turns out I wasn't very good at it. On hindsight, I wish I would have recognized that a bit sooner so that it would have been easier when I got out.
As challenging as it was, it was also fun. I never imagined I would get a Bachelors degree let alone a Masters since I dropped out of high school. I never appreciated a sun set until I got out. I even found some hobbies that I really enjoy that don't involve large amounts of alcohol. lol
As challenging as it was, it was also fun. I never imagined I would get a Bachelors degree let alone a Masters since I dropped out of high school. I never appreciated a sun set until I got out. I even found some hobbies that I really enjoy that don't involve large amounts of alcohol. lol
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MSG Dan Castaneda
SGT David T. - That's great man. I applaud you for seeking higher learning. Earning a Master's degree is definitely a goal of mine. While I have never been much of a drinker, I can only hope to be cool and collective enough for a smooth transition. I work with some fine gentleman and am not looking forward to working with the unmotivated common air breathers we call civilians. My only hope is to come back to work for the same organization I do now as a civilian. That may be good, or bad, who knows. All I know, is that I'm going to hang out for a little bit longer in uniform until I know for sure what it is I want to do. Good luck to you.
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SFC Adam Mathers
This is so accurate. I just retired 01 May and started working as a DA Civilian this month and I find myself forgetting I'm not still in uniform. I still have very much a "them" attitude about my coworkers because they're civilians, yet I'm one of them now.
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SGT David T.
SFC Adam Mathers - As am I. I don't have the us/them mentality is just us. Then again I work for USACE and we are a little different than most DACs lol.
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For me it's still sudden loud noises, crowds, and being in unfamiliar areas. And then, if I get past all of that, it's the nagging feeling that I just don't belong anymore.
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