Returning to civilian life after a period of service can be disorientating.
Expect challenges as life isn’t always easy. For example, one big hurdle can be accepting the advice of those who have simply not had your experiences and cannot possibly relate. It is a valid thought to have, but the average joe can provide some insight into civilian life, which may help you settle down.
Here is some useful intel on how to reintegrate yourself into civilian life effectively.
Consult the Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Your service may be over, but your connections remain intact. Use all the official channels you have at your disposal.
Each year, 200,000 service members return to civilian life. Those that have an easier time of things as far as logistics go revisit the Transition Assistance Program, which provides all the info and resources you and your loved ones need to help you make the switch from soldier to civilian. Follow their example.
The link above highlights how veterans begin the program one year before separation from the military, and two years before fully retiring, so you should be familiar with TAP and everything it provides already. Access all their ongoing support around things like financial stability and finding employment and civilian life will soon become more manageable.
Take Out a VA Loan
If your civilian life needs a bit of a financial kickstart, a VA loan could help.
Embark on the VA loan process and you will have access to a mortgage loan. In the context you care about, it is a financial arrangement guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. With it, you should then either buy a property or refinance an existing mortgage of yours.
You should check that you are eligible as soon as possible. The criterion to meet includes either having served 90 consecutive days of active service in wartime, or 181 days during peacetime, or 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves. The military still cares about you deeply, so come to terms with that fact and make full use of the resources available to you.
Seek Emotional Support
Remember that support for mental, physical, and emotional trauma is readily available 24/7 for as long as you might need it.
Things are constantly moving forward. In 2017, CNBC reported on new PTSD treatments being introduced that had an technological foundation, providing patients with an anonymous way to report and work out their struggles with programming and machinery, instead of face to face human interaction. Research and use these devices for yourself if possible, and air your concerns.
Remind yourself of the fact that regular forms of therapy are out there. Today, the discussion around people’s mental wellbeing has never been more open. Start that dialogue. Apps have been developed with marginalised people in mind specifically, so you can use those too if once again you favor the technological side of things. Try to discuss your concerns in whatever way seems best to you.
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