Tips To Help Veterans Find A Smoother Transition To Civilian Life
After spending years serving in the military, you’re finally settling in back at home and transitioning to civilian life. But after the happy reunions, you’re left wondering what comes next. And even though your loved ones are thrilled to see you again, you’re having trouble processing your complicated emotions about this new chapter in your life.
Whether you want to seek therapy or connect with an understanding community, these tips from LNJ Life Coaching will help you adapt to civilian life once more.
Take Care of Your Body
No matter what you’re going through, caring for your physical health will always benefit your mental health, too. Simply committing to a regular fitness routine and making it a point to cook nutritious meals at home will help you feel better daily. In addition, joining a gym can help you meet new people and start socializing again.
Monitor Your Mental Health
Suppose you’re finding it hard to get through the day. In that case, it’s a good idea to check out psychology resources for men and research conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD to see if your symptoms fit any of these descriptions. For instance, a loss of interest in your favorite hobbies is often a sign of depression, while muscle tension and trouble concentrating can indicate anxiety. According to VeryWellMind, symptoms of PTSD can include everything from traumatic nightmares to dissociation.
Ask for Help
Have you been struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD? You don’t have to suffer in silence. Instead, consider seeking professional help to begin your healing process. To find the right therapist, Men’s Journal recommends asking your loved ones for recommendations, looking for someone who specializes in the specific issue you’re dealing with, and scheduling free consultations to see if you click with a particular counselor. You might also be interested in working with a mindfulness coach, a dietitian, or even a yoga instructor.
Smart Coping Mechanisms
When dealing with a mental health issue, it can be tempting to use substances or unhealthy habits to numb the pain. However, by working with a therapist and other wellness professionals, you’ll begin to learn healthy coping mechanisms that you can turn to when you’re feeling exceptionally low. For example, you may want to call up a good friend, go for a walk outside, or spend time playing with your pet. Finding a hobby that you love can also help you get through the rough patches.
Going back to school is a great way to segue into civilian life, compliment your military training and build on your suitability for future employment. Fortunately, seeking a degree and wrapping up your education has never been easier, thanks to the range of programs available online. In addition to the flexibility and affordability, online degrees offer, military vets often qualify for free and low-cost educational opportunities.
Find Community
In the military, you were part of a community, and even on your toughest days, you knew that you were surrounded by people who understood exactly what you were going through. As a civilian, you may feel like you’ve lost that sense of belonging, and your loved ones who never served might not be able to sympathize with everything you’re going through.
The solution? Connecting with a community of fellow veterans. See if any local organizations bring veterans together or inquire about enrolling in a group therapy program. You might feel a bit nervous about showing up to an event where you don’t know anyone, but this could be the key to making great friends who can support you as you learn to embrace civilian life.
Many veterans find that adjusting to civilian life is more challenging than expected. However, understanding how to cope with common mental health conditions and knowing where to seek help can make a world of difference. With these tips, veterans will be better prepared to navigate this transition.
LNJ Life Coaching is here to help you overcome your fears, eliminate negative thinking and find success. Check out our services today to find out more!
