Veteran Life: Personal Perspectives and Support Resources

Veteran Life: Personal Perspectives and Support Resources

lived-experience #veterans #mental health #personal experience #support resources

Life After Service: Navigating Veteran Life Post-Discharge

Leaving the military is one of the biggest transitions a veteran can face. No matter how long you served, the shift from a structured, mission-driven environment to the unpredictability of civilian life can be overwhelming. For many of us, it’s not just about finding a new career or settling into a different daily routine—it’s about redefining who we are outside of service.

The Identity Shift

One of the most challenging aspects of life post-discharge is the loss of a clear identity. In the military, your role, responsibilities, and purpose are well-defined. The camaraderie, discipline, and sense of belonging provide a strong foundation. Once you step out of uniform, that structure disappears, and the question of "Who am I now?" often looms large.

For me, this shift was disorienting. I went from being a CISCON and a sergeant in the Royal Australian Air Force, with a clear mission and a tight-knit team, to suddenly navigating a world that didn’t function on the same principles. Civilians often don’t understand military humour, the weight of certain experiences, or the mindset that service instills in you. I found myself grappling with how to translate my skills and experiences into something that fit the civilian world.

Research has shown that many veterans experience a loss of identity after leaving service. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), transitioning out of the military is associated with a significant period of adjustment, where individuals may struggle with employment, relationships, and mental health (AIHW, 2020).

Mental Health and Reintegration

Adjusting to civilian life isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s an emotional and psychological one. Many veterans, myself included, carry the invisible wounds of service. Complex PTSD shaped my post-service life in ways I never anticipated. The hyper-vigilance, the difficulty in adjusting to less-structured environments, and the sense of disconnection from those who haven’t served are all realities many of us face.

Looking back over the twenty-four years since I discharged, I can say that the first fifteen years were the most challenging. Those years tested every aspect of my resilience as I struggled to find my footing in civilian life.

Studies have shown that veterans are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions post-service, and this was especially true for those of us who discharged before modern support systems were in place. A report by Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling highlights that common challenges include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and difficulty reintegrating into civilian society (Open Arms, 2021).

When I discharged, there was not the level of support from services that exists today. My resettlement seminar lasted just one day and was primarily focused on trying to recruit me for the reserves, outlining my new financial responsibilities, and little else. There was no structured transition program or meaningful guidance on how to navigate civilian life. It was up to me to figure it out, which made the process even more isolating and challenging.

One of the biggest turning points for me was seeking professional support. Finding a psychologist who understood both trauma and the veteran experience helped me make sense of the internal battle I was fighting. Meditation, mindfulness, and structured exercise routines, like Pilates and gym sessions with an Exercise Physiologist, became lifelines in my reintegration journey.

Finding Purpose Beyond Service

Purpose is what drives us in the military, and it’s also what keeps us moving forward in civilian life. After discharge, I struggled to find a meaningful direction until I reframed my perspective on work. I realised that "work" isn’t just about employment—it’s about anything I consider meaningful and want to take seriously. Whether it's working on my website, mentoring others, or even knitting (which has been a surprising source of focus and relaxation), each of these activities contributes to a sense of purpose.

My own search for purpose has taken many forms over these past twenty-four years. From military service to becoming a TAFE lecturer in web design and development, then exploring freelance work, and now maintaining my blog—each step has been part of discovering where I could make the most meaningful impact. Like following a compass rather than a map, each role helped me understand not just what I could do, but what truly fulfilled me.

Today, my sense of purpose comes through various channels. Whether it's working on my website, mentoring others, or even knitting (which has been a surprising source of focus and relaxation), each activity adds meaning to my post-service life.

The importance of finding a new mission post-service is well-documented. A study by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) found that veterans who engage in purposeful activities, such as volunteering, education, or hobbies, report higher levels of life satisfaction (DVA, 2022).

Creating my digital garden at helenburgess.id.au has become the latest chapter in this journey of purpose. Here, I cultivate not just my own stories and experiences, but also create a space where other veterans might find resonance with their own challenges. Through sharing my experiences with mental health, the complexity of asking for help, and the uncertainty of finding a new path, I hope to show that these are challenges we don't have to face alone. Each post I write, like seeds planted in this digital garden, has the potential to grow into connection and understanding for others on similar paths.

Advice for Fellow Veterans

If you're transitioning out of service, here are a few things that helped me:

  1. Acknowledge the Loss – It’s okay to grieve the end of your military career. A chapter has closed, and it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions about it.

  2. Seek Support – Whether through veteran networks, therapy, or mindfulness practices, finding ways to manage mental health is crucial. Organisations like Open Arms, Beyond Blue, and the RSL offer veteran-specific support services.

  3. Find Your New Mission – Your purpose didn’t end with your discharge. It just changed shape. Explore what excites you, what challenges you, and what gives you a sense of contribution.

  4. Stay Connected – The military bond doesn’t have to end when you take off the uniform. Connecting with other veterans, whether online or in-person, can help bridge the gap between military and civilian life.

  5. Give Yourself Time – Transitioning is not a one-time event; it’s a process. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this new chapter.

Final Thoughts

Like tending a digital garden, life post-discharge requires patience, nurturing, and constant growth. Some days you plant seeds of possibility, other days you tend to what's already growing. It's a journey of rediscovery. It’s not always easy, and the road is rarely straight, but it’s possible to find purpose, connection, and fulfilment beyond service. My journey is ongoing, and I share it here in the hope that it resonates with others who might be walking a similar path.

If you're a veteran reading this and you’re struggling with transition, know that you are not alone. There is support, there is purpose, and there is a life worth living beyond the uniform.

For additional support and resources, visit:

Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared in this article are my own personal perspectives and reflections. While I have included research and statistics from reputable sources, this piece is primarily based on my lived experience as a veteran. If you are struggling with mental health issues or transition challenges, please seek professional support through the services listed above.

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). National suicide monitoring of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel: 2020 update. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/veterans/veteran-suicide-monitoring

Department of Veterans' Affairs. (2022). Health and wellbeing research and statistics. Retrieved from https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/research-and-statistics

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling. (2021). Understanding transition and mental health. Retrieved from https://www.openarms.gov.au/