Adjustment to civilian life can be a challenge for some veterans.

 Each year between 8,000-16,000 service personnel leave the armed forces and return to live and work in the civilian community. For many the transition is seamless, yet for a significant number the journey brings with it an inability to re-establish connect and/or settle back into in a society they no longer identify with. This can lead to relationship difficulties, alcohol and drug misuse, unemployment, homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, and – for those suffering from diagnosed or undiagnosed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – self-imposed isolation, self harm or suicide. Many may find themselves marginalised, disenfranchised from mainstream services, and experience chronic social exclusion. Whilst many personnel leaving the military may initially experience some uncertainty and a loss of confidence, most make the adjustment successfully. At other times, the problems may not go away – and for some, become worse.

 Some of the reasons why making the transition can be challenging include:

 ·       The military has a unique culture, one that is very different to civilian culture. Some discharged members may experience ‘culture shock’ as they try to adjust to civilian life and a civilian workplace.

·       Some former military personnel report feeling isolated or ‘different’ to civilians and some find it hard to develop new friendships once they leave the military.

·       To many the military is more than a job, it is a ‘way of life’ involving values, priorities and beliefs about the world that often affect all aspects of a person’s life.

 Those leaving the military with service related problems such as chronic ill health, injury, post traumatic stress disorder (related to war or service related trauma), anxiety disorders, chronic pain or depression may experience additional adjustment difficulties.

 ‘Social issues’: that can impact on a soldier’s ability to make the transition to civilian life.

 •     Have trouble readjusting to family they have not lived with for a long period. This can include parenting responsibilities.

•     Feel cut off from people or feel unable to connect with anyone.

•     Find it hard to accept the difference between civilian life and experiences in military service.

•     Feel ashamed, angry or humiliated if they left the military involuntarily.

•     Experience a loss of role, identity or purpose.

•     Find it difficult getting a new job. Further, a new job can be challenging if they have to readapt or learn new skills.

•     Have concerns about supporting the family, possibly on a lower wage.

•     Have financial problems.

•     Feel less valued or appreciated with a sense of diminished status in life.

•     Find it challenging making new friends, and coping without old friends.

•     Find civilian life chaotic due to perceived lack of structure, order, and direction.

•     Not know what to do with free time.

  Many Veterans accessing the help of Forward Assist experience:

 •     Reduced physical capacity due to service-related injuries or illnesses.

•     Increased anxiety, worry or a general sense of nervousness.

•     Feelings of panic or feeling overwhelmed.

•     Anger, aggression, irritability or rage (including road rage and physical fights).

•     Sleep disturbance, such as increased sleep, disturbed sleep, insomnia or regular nightmares.

•     Unusual or increased levels of conflict in relationships.

•     Depression, hopelessness or suicidal thoughts or plans.

•     Reduced ability to concentrate or manage work tasks.

•     Increased or excessive use of alcohol (including binge drinking), prescription drugs and illegal drugs.

•     Avoidance of social activities and friends.

•     Not feeling interested in hobbies or activities that used to be important or enjoyable including sex and intimacy.

•     Somatic complaints such as headaches (not related to an existing injury or illness) unexplained aches, and tension.

•     Difficulty coping or planning ahead, or continuing in day to day activities.

•     Feeling lost, lonely, worthless, or having no purpose.

•     Lowered self-confidence or self-esteem.

•     Feeling unsafe or needing to ‘patrol’ at night.

•     Transitioning members may experience one or more of these symptoms or problems in the early stages of their transition to civilian life.

 How ‘Forward Assist’ help military personnel to help themselves!

 •     Forward Assists Qualified Social Work and Mental Health Therapists assist veterans if and when they experience difficulties.

•     We facilitate the opportunity to talk to people in similar situations and learn as much about transition as possible.

•     We encourage veterans not to take on too much at once, plan and structure their days/weeks.

•     We look for work that will meet their needs and match their skills.

•     We help veterans develop personal contacts and friendships outside of military networks.

•     We promote the importance of including physical activity, recreation and relaxation into their everyday life.

•     We encourage veterans to take time to enjoy and be involved in relationships with others (for example, partner and/or children).

•     We encourage veterans to draw on previous experiences of change and help them to develop new coping strategies.

 Tony Wright

CEO

Forward Assist