The Library
Practical guideStarting overMenTrauma1 minute read
Starting over after leaving the military
Civilian life and what helps.
Leaving the military means leaving a structure, a purpose, an identity and a group of people who had your back.
Common challenges
- Finding work that uses your skills
- Missing comradeship
- Civilian life feeling slow or pointless
- Relationship strain
- Mental health effects from service, including trauma
What helps
- Veterans services and charities, which exist in many countries
- Peer support from other veterans
- Translating your skills into civilian language for job applications
- Keeping some structure: early mornings, training, routine
Asking for help
Many veterans wait too long. Reaching out early is a strength. If you are struggling with what you saw or did, see trauma after military, police or emergency work.
