Reintegration Challenges

Returning military service members may experience a variety of stress-related disorders and challenges when reintegrating to the community from military life. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, almost all service members will have significant emotional reactions after returning from deployment. These behaviors and feelings are normal, especially during the first weeks at home. Community programs that provide social support for veterans will positively influence their ability to handle the uncertainties faced with post-deployment and post-military service.

 

For veterans who have been deployed to a war zone, coming home typically involves a period of readjustment. Many service members find that they do not just "pick up where they left off" when they get home. Events, skills, and social interactions that used to be second nature may feel unfamiliar. Some examples include driving a car, the day-to-day responsibilities associated with being a spouse or a parent, or planning what to do with free time. With time, most veterans make the transition just fine. However, the transition from a "war zone" mindset to a civilian mindset may cause difficulties during reintegration.

 

On our web page, we list some of the common challenges faced by Veterans following a deployment. These include both physical injuries and environmental hazards sustained from wartime service or from training accidents and incidents or invisible injuries such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and moral injury.  We also provide elsewhere information on substance misuse and addiction, military sexual trauma, and intimate partner violence.

 

For additional information, visit https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mentalhealth/transitioning-service/index.asp