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

SGT Jamell Culbreath — Tue, 19 May 2015 19:21:26 -0400

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

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 19 May 2015 23:05:42 -0400

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

MAJ Jim Steven — Wed, 20 May 2015 05:03:54 -0400

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

SGT David T. — Wed, 20 May 2015 08:39:40 -0400

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

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 21:06:20 -0400

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.