Overcoming Transition Challenges
Transitioning from a structured military life to an unstructured civilian life is one of the toughest challenges for many veterans. For those who went into the military as their first serious, full-time job, it can be quite a shock to immediately have to find your own living accommodations, food, clothing, and a source of income. You may have had some classes before you got out on what to expect and what to do. Fortunately, if you look at our Self Help page, you can then prioritize them and go back to those pages to find local help both from the government and community resources. And if you want some help working through the options, just click on the “Get Personal Help” button on the right and one of our Champions will be glad to help.
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You’ve got this. Your military focus, training and can do attitude will take you far in the civilian world. Once you get your new footing and set your own objectives, nothing can stop you.
Check the VA on Transitioning from Service page for complete descriptions and information, with answers to questions like:
- What should I know about transitioning from service?
- What should I keep an eye out for after transitioning from service?
- What can I do about issues related to transitioning from service?
- And much more!
Local Help
Know A Vet? presents this information and these national resource directories, not as a recommendation of any specific service or provider, but as a starting point for your own research.
Please feel free to use the check sheets Before, During and After the Medical Appointment and Choosing a Medical Service Provider to help you in your search for the best help for your individual circumstances.
In addition, there may be other federal, state and local government or private resources for your individual needs. A VSO counselor may be able to help you find them.
While we strongly urge you to take advantage of all you have earned through your service, we understand there are many reasons why you may prefer non-VA service providers.
Here are some places to start:
Government and Community Resources for Help with Transitioning
Learn more about what you can do if you are experiencing specific concerns related to flashbacks, such as:
National Center for PTSD
The National Center for PTSD provides information, resources, and practical advice for veterans, their family and friends, and the public when dealing with trauma.
After Deployment
Thie After Deployment website has wellness resources for veterans and service members, including information and self-help tools for posttraumatic stress and other issues they commonly experience.
Moving Forward: Overcoming Life's Challenges
Moving Forward is a free online educational and life-coaching program that teaches problem-solving skills to help you better handle life’s challenges. While it’s designed to be especially helpful for veterans, service members, and their families, Moving Forward teaches skills that can be useful to anyone with stressful problems.
Vet Center
If you are a combat veteran, you can bring your DD214 to your local Vet Center and speak with a counselor or therapist, many of whom are veterans themselves, for free, without an appointment, and regardless of your enrollment status with VA. In addition, any veteran who was sexually traumatized while serving in the military is eligible to receive counseling regardless of gender or era of service.
VA Medical Center Facility Locator
VA provides world-class health care to eligible veterans. Most veterans qualify for cost-free health care services, although some veterans must pay modest copays for health care or prescriptions. Explore your eligibility for health care using VA’s Health Benefits Explorer tool and find out more about the treatment options available to you.
On the civilian side, if you enter “Adjustment Issues” in the search box on FindHelp.org you will find professionals near you who can help.
The Military Times also offers lots of great information.
Learn More – Get More
Learn more about what it feels like to live your best life. Go to our Self Help page to explore other issues that can bring you “All The Way Home.”
Also, check out the Claims and Appeals topic to maximize compensation and benefits for yourself AND your loved ones.
It’s your turn to get your best life back! You EARNED it with your service!
