Why do some veterans have a hard time readjusting to civilian life while others make the transition with little or no difficulty?

2015-05-19T19:21:26-04:00

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 19 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-05-19T23:05:42-04:00

Ditto what 1LT Scott D. said.My personal experience with my first job post-Navy life I learned that the Blue Falcon is alive and well in civilian land.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made May 20 at 2015 5:03 AM

2015-05-20T05:03:54-04:00

I think one thing that happens to service members is that they drink the kool-aid and become institutionalized, part of that "IMA soldier 24/7" mentality.
We are all headed back to the civilian world, unless you die in theatre or a training accident.

Response by SGT David T. made May 20 at 2015 8:39 AM

2015-05-20T08:39:40-04:00

In my case I suffered from a loss of identity and purpose. I had tied so much of my identity to my job that when I got out I didn't even know who I was anymore. I was able to pull myself out of that, but I very easily could have gone the other way.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 13 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-09-13T21:06:20-04:00

For one thing, SGT Jamell Culbreath, disabilities play a very important part as to whether one's transition is easy or difficult.
I, for instance, was discharged with a 100% service connected disability: mental illness/stress disorder. I have also recently been diagnosed with PTSD.
So, physical disabilities, mental/emotional disabilities: whether there are invisible injuries or visible injuries; they can greatly impact one's progress in transitioning back into civilian life.