Adjusting to Life at Home After Military Service

SIX signs that can mean it's time for professional help

A version of this article was originally published by Mental Health America. Visit their website for more resources for current and former members of the military.

After returning home from active military service, it’s completely normal to experience an emotional letdown when the initial celebration is over.

Transitioning back to everyday life can be difficult. You’re used to the day-in and day-out of the military, and coming back home can be a huge adjustment. Once things settle, your homecoming may begin to feel a bit disappointing.

Sometimes, it just takes some time to adjust back to life at home, but occasionally, the letdown can become a more serious problem.

Here are six signs that it’s time to find professional help:

1. Long bouts of depression

If you feel down for longer than two weeks or so, you may be clinically depressed. With clinical depression, people often feel hopeless, lack interest in day-to-day activities or loved ones, and experience changes in eating and sleeping habits. There may even be thoughts of death or suicide.

2. Frequent bouts of anxiety or panic

Feeling afraid, even when there’s a reason, is a normal reaction after experiencing extremely stressful events. But, when you still feel this way several weeks after the event, you may have something called an anxiety disorder.

3. Flashbacks and frequent nightmares

Traumatic events, such as combat, often trigger nightmares and vivid, sudden memories called flashbacks. If they persist for several weeks or months, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can make you feel indifferent, avoid people and responsibilities, become “jumpy,” or have panic attacks.

4. Frequent alcohol and drug use

When people are in pain, they sometimes try to “self-medicate” with alcohol and drugs. This almost always results in bigger problems.

5. Domestic violence/abuse

When troubled by your feelings or experiences, you may feel like lashing out at your family members. If you are sometimes feeling uncontrollable anger or rage towards your family members, it may be time to seek help before things get out of hand.

6. Previous mental health problems or past trauma

You may experience the symptoms of your disorder or see new ones emerge. Setbacks and relapse is a part of recovery, and while it can be discouraging, it’s a normal part of the journey. Taking proactive steps to take care of your mental health is critical.

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With professional help and support, you can overcome these problems. Everyone needs help from time to time, and it’s best to act on these issues as early as possible. You have many options to choose from: support groups, anger management classes, your faith leader, a service chaplain, a family services counselor or a mental health professional.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Nearly every military installation has a family service center, family support center or military community service center where you can access information, referral, counseling, and crisis intervention services. In addition, all military families, including National Guard members and Reservists who are activated for more than 30 days, are eligible for medical and mental health care either at a military medical treatment facility or at a civilian facility through TRICARE, the administrator of health services for the armed services. TRICARE provides information about mental health benefits programs for the military on their Website, tricare.osd.mil. Or contact them at 888-363-2273. Also, Military OneSource provides 24-hour access to information and help. Contact them at 800-342-9647 or militaryonesource.com.