1. Transition is Scary

Transitioning from military life-to-civilian life is not easy for service members. It’s a loss of an identity, support network, family and a way of life. Most transitioning veterans will tell you their scariest moment is when they put their paperwork in for separation or retirement.

It’s the fear of the unknown. What will civilian life look like? How will it feel not to have to check your gig line before you leave the house or shave every day? You would think it would be a relief for most, but instead they find comfort in routine. They wonder if they will be accepted into the civilian workforce or are they too rigid for today’s environment? >> here are some tips on making it easier <<

Finding a second a career that has purpose is a priority. Veterans will need to negotiate a job offer. They spent the better half of their lives protecting yours, so understand if they don’t want to take the meaningless desk job. They want meaningful employment and to contribute to the progress of our nation.

Newly minted vets tend to underestimate their value and skill sets. They have trouble navigating civilian job requirements and applications. Their work language and expectations are different than yours. However, they are worth their weight in gold. They are problem solvers and team players – especially among strangers. They are leaders, the first to volunteer. Their work ethic is above reproach and their loyalty is fierce. You WILL NOT FIND a better employee than a veteran. HIRE THEM! We have some other ways to help you understand more as a transitioning spouse.

2. PTSD is NOT Funny

Remember the days when it was funny to say to someone “Don’t go postal on us”? The Post Office was the butt of everyone’s jokes because of the mental illness of a few employees. But replace “going postal” with “PTSD” and no one in uniform (or anyone who loves a someone in uniform) is laughing. PTSD is not funny and should never be referred to as something that is humorous. It’s real. Read: Going to school with Anxiety, Depression, or PTSD.

It’s real because those who have served have seen and experienced things NO civilian can wrap their head around. And NO, it’s not like the movies -they don’t always live happily ever after. Shed the stereotypes that Hollywood and video games have shoved down our throats. What they did was real and they will suffer lifelong affects from it.

You don’t get PTSD from playing a soldier on a video game or playing one on TV. No, you can get PTSD because you were the solider on the ground, sailor on the boat, or airmen in the air – at war.  It’s not funny, never refer to it as something comical and never make them feel ashamed they have it. We say, be bold and realize there is hope in battling bare.

Read the whole article at Military Spouse
Source: Stacy Huisman/Military Spouse