10 Major Problems And Challenges Of Adjusting To Civilian Lives For War Veterans

For war veterans, adjusting from military to civilian life can be something that won’t be easy. This guide will show you the ten major problems and challenges that exist. Even after times of war, a peaceful time in someone’s life will be anything but that.

They may be dealing with issues stemming from combat-related incidents such as PTSD. Veterans can also go through ways to cope with the pain and trauma including substance abuse. If you or someone you know is a war veteran and has developed an addiction, you are not alone.

One of your best solutions is an inpatient drug treatment that will guarantee your success in beating your addiction. You’ll also get access to specialist counselors that will focus on dealing with mental issues such as PTSD.

Now, let’s take a look at the major problems and challenges war veterans face when trying to adjust to civilian life.

Reconnecting with friends and family

War veterans may have been away from home during a long deployment. When they return, they have to adjust to their role as a member of their own family. During your time away, things at home may have changed.

It’s important for you to know what these are and adjust to them accordingly. Communication is key between a veteran and their families when both are apart.

Entering the workforce

When someone makes the transition from military to civilian life, one of their tasks is finding a job. They can apply for jobs based on the skills they have required during their time in service. This will help them build a career that can be fulfilling and exciting.

Veterans may have a resume that has little to nothing in terms of job experience. For this reason, it is important to talk to a career advisor to help you on the right path to building a resume and finding the right job path for you.

Returning to a job

You may have been in the Reserves or the National Guard while working a regular job. Then, you were called to be deployed. When you return, you resume the duties of the job you once had.

When you return, you may have to be brought up to speed on what your role is. You could also notice some changes that occurred during your time away. There may have also been changes in personnel such as new bosses, owners, and more.

Be sure to get to know the people you haven’t been familiar with. At the same time, talk to your bosses about your job security or anything else you need to address.

Adjusting to the basics

In the military, you had to follow a routine that was strict and on schedule. In civilian life, it can be overwhelming. The schedule may be flexible and you’ll feel like you need to get something done at a certain time.

The good news is that you can learn about knowing when to do basic tasks. You can eat at the time you want rather than at a set time. You can do other tasks at any given time.

The structure

When you were in the military, there’s a chain of command. In the civilian world, the structure is different. So it may be confusing as to who to report to and who not to.

You’ll want to create your own structure outside of the military environment. The military will provide a structure where you are able to live life with ease. So make sure you are aware of what consists of this structure so you can build it from the ground up.

Knowing what services are available

In the military, you have basic health services available whenever you need them. The same goes for the civilian world. The only difference is that you have more choices than you know what to do with.

Also, it’s important to know that you’ll need to fill out paperwork for certain veterans’ benefits and services. The Department of Veteran Affairs will be more than happy to assist you with this.

The change in pace

The pace in the military and civilian worlds are different from one another. Granted, the military operates at a pace that won’t allow you to leave when the mission is done. Civilians get the job done and leave at a certain time, regardless of whether the mission is accomplished or not.

It’s fine to live by a certain work ethic. However, you’ll want to find that work-life balance so you don’t overwork yourself and create an undue amount of stress.

Joining or creating a community

Whether you are still in the military or transitioning to civilian life, joining or even creating a community can be a challenge. You can find ways to join a community of like-minded people who may enjoy the same activities as you do.

Dealing with combat-related issues

In the military, you may be dealing with combat-related issues. You would also have easy access to the services you needed. In the civilian world, this can be a challenge.

Not to mention, you have a wide variety of professionals that can help you with mental or physical issues related to combat. Once again, the Department of Veteran Affairs can help with this so you can make it easier.

Financial challenges

In the military, you were paid based on your rank and time of service. Plus, you were provided housing as well. In civilian life, your job will be your source of income.

Meanwhile, you’ll also need to pay for expenses such as housing (which you might not have done during your time in the military). Refresh yourself on basic personal finances so you can adjust accordingly to civilian life.

Final Thoughts

These ten major problems and challenges are what war veterans are facing regularly. It’s important to be aware of what these are so you can be able to solve them accordingly. It may be tough to transition from one life to another.

But with a strong support system and people helping you out, it will be a lot easier than you think.