Topic: “Transitioning From Service”
Learn more and watch videos of Veterans sharing their experiences with transitioning from service and what they did to get on a path to recovery.
“Today’s the Day”
Kelly remained in denial about drinking’s toll on her life after retiring from the Air Force Reserve. Then a doctor’s warning, her best friend’s candor, and a Vet Center visit propelled the Veteran to the treatment she needed to turn her life around.
3-minute read
Problems with Alcohol, Transitioning From Service, Family and Relationships
New Pursuits Help Veterans Thrive After Therapy
Veterans Stefan, Jocelyn, and Paul share how new activities and interests enriched their lives and helped them build on the mental health gains they made through therapy.
5-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Family and Relationships, Stress and Anxiety, Military Sexual Trauma
5 Ways To Support a Veteran Friend or Loved One
Learn 5 simple ways to support Veterans facing mental health challenges. Read how family and friends helped these Veterans take the first step to seek therapy and build new lives.
5-minute read
Spread the Word, Transitioning From Service, Family and Relationships
One Simple Question Kick-Started Veteran’s Recovery
Mario’s unhealthy use of alcohol and pain medication contributed to his discharge from the Marines and a downward spiral that included depression and time in prison. After Mario asked about his options for support as a Veteran, he received VA residential rehabilitation care and ketamine treatment that helped him get back on his feet.
3-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Transitioning From Service, Homelessness, Financial and Legal Issues
Army Veteran Describes How He Learned To Love Himself Again
Zack blamed himself for an ambush that killed 6 Soldiers. Then an injury ended his military service and left him “mad at the world.” Eventually, therapy guided the Army Veteran to facing and managing his feelings so he could rediscover life’s joys.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Anger and Irritability, Transitioning From Service
Therapy Equips Veteran To Navigate Depression
After Mary left the Army and became a military spouse, the Veteran experienced feelings of depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other tools for managing her symptoms have given her confidence that she can weather the low days, and outdoor activities like bird-watching lift her spirits.
3-minute read
Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Transitioning From Service
Therapy Helps Veteran Regain Sense of Self After Injury
When Tiffany left the Army after sustaining an injury, she was in constant pain and felt deeply depressed. Therapy helped her regain her sense of self and become the example she wanted to be for her son. “My life has changed since I got mental health treatment,” she says.
2-minute read
Physical Injury, PTSD, Depression, Transitioning From Service
Therapy Helped Marine Navigate Grief and Transition
Marissa’s transition from active-duty service got off to a rough start, compounded by the death of a fellow Marine. Then therapy helped the Marine Corps Reservist strengthen her relationships and feel more connected.
2-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and Anxiety
Veteran Says Readiness for Support Is “Step 1” for Healing
After initially resisting the idea of mental health support, Stefan actively sought the therapy that gave him tools to manage his TBI, PTSD, and bipolar disorder symptoms. “It directly translates into my life being happier,” the Marine Corps Veteran says.
4-minute read
Bipolar Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Feeling on Edge
Vietnam Veterans Share Their Mental Health Journeys
Vietnam Veterans recount how hostile receptions at home kept them from talking about their service and its personal impact—and how their decisions to reach out for mental health treatment, years or decades later, made a difference in their lives.
2-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Alcohol, Transitioning From Service
Mental Health Care Inspires Veterans To Embrace New Passions
This Mental Health Month, learn how some Veterans pursued treatment that helped them empower their recovery, manage their symptoms, embrace their passions, and improve their lives.
5-minute read
Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Problems with Alcohol
Mental Health Treatment Gives These Veterans a New Start
Addressing mental health challenges can open up new opportunities in family relationships, career pursuits, community connections and more. Veterans Tom, Michelle and Tony share the ways they blossomed after they sought treatment.
4-minute read
Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Military Sexual Trauma, Trouble Sleeping, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Problems with Alcohol
Navy Veteran Charts New Course After Substance Misuse
Drug and alcohol misuse and untreated symptoms of PTSD caught up to Rick when he was arrested after an incident at his home on Christmas Eve. This was the moment that prompted him to seek the treatment that turned his life around.
3-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Problems with Alcohol, Financial and Legal Issues, PTSD, Transitioning From Service
Veteran Overcomes Her Fear of Mental Health Care
This Air Force Veteran, who survived a terrorist bombing at her barracks, says requesting mental health care from women providers made it less intimidating to seek support through VA, enabling her to get the help she needed.
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, PTSD, Transitioning From Service
Veterans’ Next Mission: Serving Those Who Served
These Veterans took different paths after military service, but they arrived at the same destination: becoming part of a community and helping fellow Veterans. Hear their stories in the newly released Season Two of the Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. podcast.
4-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Student Veterans, Financial and Legal Issues, PTSD, Jobs and Employment, Problems with Alcohol, Homelessness, Family and Relationships
Marine Combat Veteran Felt Lost Before Finding His Purpose
Sam came home from serving in the Marines feeling lost. Therapy helped him process his traumatic combat experiences and grief. Finding his new purpose as a teacher and mentor also helped him heal.
3-minute read
Suicide, Anger and Irritability, Transitioning From Service, Feelings of Hopelessness, Depression
Family and Mental Health Support Help Army Veteran After TBI
After shock waves from mortar blasts in Iraq left him with a traumatic brain injury, this Army Veteran found the support he needed to navigate his new life.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Physical Injury, Transitioning From Service
Families Can Spot Signs of Veterans’ Mental Health Concerns
Family members and friends are often the first to see anger, isolation and other signs that a Veteran may be experiencing a mental health challenge.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Spread the Word
Veterans on Managing Change and Anxiety
Two women Veterans suggest that confronting past trauma can help ease the anxiety associated with change and uncertainty.
3-minute read
Stress and Anxiety, Student Veterans, Transitioning From Service
Enduring Harassment, Confronting Pain and Finding Support: A Veteran’s Experience
Shirley, an Army and Navy Veteran, hid her experiences of sexual harassment and assault attempts for years. But after seeking treatment for a physical health concern, she also found mental health support that addressed painful memories and helped her find herself again.
3-minute read
Military Sexual Trauma, Stress and Anxiety, Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping
A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey: Retirement, Depression, Therapy and a New Life
Transitioning from the Navy into a politically divided world was not easy for Michael. He shares his story of experiencing depression and isolation after serving in Vietnam and then finding a new perspective that helped him create a life he loves.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Depression, Transitioning From Service
Veteran’s PTSD Treatment Led Him To Help Others
Seeking and finding the right treatment for ADHD and PTSD helped Jordan, an Army combat Veteran, process the trauma he had tried to forget. Then the former medic found meaning in helping fellow Veterans manage their challenges.
4-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Physical Injury
Managing the Pain
A 500-pound IED nearly destroyed Brandon’s spine and ultimately damaged his mental health. When the U.S. Army infantryman started isolating himself and slipped into depression, his wife and VA care team helped him recover.
3-minute read
Physical Injury, Transitioning From Service, Depression
Next Mission: College
Stephen didn’t consider getting VA help with his transition out of the U.S. Army because he felt that other Veterans were more deserving of support. But when his adjustment to student life proved difficult, VA counselors gave Stephen the tools and resources he needed to succeed in his new mission.
3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Flashbacks
Trauma, Transitioning and Treatment
Two Veterans discuss the traumas of their combat service in Iraq, the difficulties they faced when they transitioned out of the U.S. Army, and the therapies that worked for them.
4-minute read
Nightmares, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Traumatic Brain Injury, Trouble Sleeping, Problems with Alcohol
Managing Sensory Triggers
Three Veterans talk about the VA resources that taught them how to manage their sensory triggers.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Stress and Anxiety, Feeling on Edge
Stop the Free Fall
A new public service announcement from Make the Connection reminds Veterans that resources and support can help them navigate life’s challenges.
1-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Feelings of Hopelessness, Flashbacks
Support Comes In Many Forms
Family members, friends, fellow Veterans, clergy members, co-workers, and counselors can all provide support to Veterans going through a tough time. But no matter who provides it, one thing is clear: Everybody needs support at some time. During Mental Health Month and all year round, learn how seeking support from many sources helped these Veterans work through their mental health challenges.
4-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Depression
More Than Mental Health
Three Veterans talk about the surprising ways their lives changed as they started managing their mental health symptoms. Learn what these Veterans Know during Mental Health Month and all year round.
4-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Problems with Alcohol, Stress and Anxiety
Healing To Live; Living To Heal
After Navy service, Aaron purposely pulled away from his loved ones, thinking he was protecting himself emotionally. Then he reached a new conclusion: He had to start living to start healing.
2-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Nightmares, Transitioning From Service
Helping One Can Help Many
Kyle experienced PTSD after witnessing heavy combat casualties in Iraq, where he served as a Marine Corps field radio operator. His transition back into civilian life was rough and included a trip or two to jail and a couple of stays at psychiatric hospitals. Some caring Veterans intervened, urging him to get help at VA. That’s where Kyle learned how to manage his PTSD, and he now helps other Veterans find their footing.
2-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Alcohol, Transitioning From Service
Reclaiming Happiness
Hear how Daniel, a U.S. Navy photographer, learned to manage his PTSD symptoms with VA support.
3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Stress and Anxiety
Turning Grief Into Giving Back
As a U.S. Army Veteran, the wife of an Army Veteran, and the mother of a fallen Soldier, Lauri has experienced military life in a way that few others have. Now, she works directly with Veterans and their families as a county Veteran Service Officer, and her life experience earns her clients’ trust right away.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Retirement and Aging, Family and Relationships
Regaining Control Through Mindfulness
Gus had trouble sleeping and managing his emotions until his therapist introduced him to meditation.
3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping
Painting a Picture of Recovery
Like many Veterans, Mike had trouble expressing himself and dealing with his trauma. Then he discovered art therapy.
4-minute read
PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Transitioning From Service
Three Inspiring Stories From Women Veterans
Discover how these three women Veterans have overcome some of life’s toughest challenges and learned to thrive by taking care of their mental health.
7-minute read
Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Stress and Anxiety
Retirement Readiness
Retirement can bring unexpected emotional pitfalls. Learn what to look out for from other Veterans who have been there before and find advice to enjoy the retirement you’ve earned.
6-minute read
Retirement and Aging, Transitioning From Service, Depression
Living in the Present Can Create a Better Future
After years of moving from place to place, Brian stopped trying to outrun his past. By learning how to manage his PTSD symptoms and live in the present, Brian set a path toward a better future — for himself and his family.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
A New Year. A New Start.
Whether you are still transitioning from the military or you served decades ago, the new year is a great time to rediscover your purpose and passion for life.
5-minute read
Transitioning From Service
From Ship to Shelter
Learn how Lidia, a U.S. Navy Veteran, overcame homelessness with the help of VA’s programs and resources.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Depression, Homelessness
The Power of Purpose and Laughter
After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Susan faced depression and PTSD. She found comfort and a new sense of purpose on the stand-up comedy stage.
5-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Depression
Torn Between Worlds
Some Veterans experience trauma over and over because sudden flashbacks won't let them leave the past in the past.
5-minute read
PTSD, Flashbacks, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and Anxiety
Hiding Pain in Plain Sight
Despite his many professional successes, Fred couldn’t outrun the survivor’s guilt he experienced after losing an air crew in a mission over Iraq. Therapy at VA, including EMDR treatment to reprocess his thoughts, allowed Fred to rediscover an emotion he didn’t realize he’d been missing.
2-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Suicide
Steps for Getting a Better Night’s Sleep
Veterans’ sleep can be affected by traumatic experiences, a racing mind, or old military routines, but there are steps you can take to create a healthier sleep routine.
5-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping, Feeling on Edge, Problems with Alcohol
Learn How Veterans Got Back on Track
Maybe you don’t connect with your therapist in your first appointment. Maybe the treatment doesn’t make a noticeable impact right off the bat. Or, maybe you feel like you’re taking all the right steps, but nothing’s changing.
4-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Stress and Anxiety
“Don’t Give Up”
The continued support of her son has helped Agatha, a U.S. Army Veteran, address the anxiety she has faced since leaving military service.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Problems with Alcohol
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Life
These Veterans had different reasons for seeking help, but the result was the same: After they took the first step on their mental health journey, their lives improved.
5-minute read
Jobs and Employment, PTSD, Transitioning From Service
"They Didn’t Understand Why We Were Never There"
After returning home from her deployment, Nicole began to understand its effects on her children.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
These Post-9/11 Women Veterans Open Up About Their Mental Health Journeys
Women Veterans share the challenges of living with depression and anxiety after leaving the service — and the support they’ve found to overcome these issues.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and Anxiety
One Veteran Continues To “Adapt and Overcome” After Military Service
After leaving the Army, Jesse spent two years drinking alcohol to forget his experience in Iraq. When his drinking cost him a job, he realized he wasn’t the person he wanted to be. That’s when his military training took over.
4-minute read
Jobs and Employment, Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping, Problems with Alcohol
Stay Active After Active Duty
Hear some Veterans describe how recreational activities enhance their mental well-being — and their lives.
3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and Anxiety
My Story, My Connection: True Partnership
Daniel and Sara, a military couple, stand by each other’s side to overcome problems with alcohol and a loss of identity.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
My Story, My Connection: Support Networks
We recently sat down with Steven and Moses, two Iraq War Veterans, to discuss their transition from service, mental health challenges and resources, and how to find a network of support.
2-minute read
Transitioning From Service
A Call to Service After 9/11
Nathan was compelled to serve his country in response to 9/11. Hear his story of strength and recovery.
3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service
5 Sources of Support, Right in Front of You
Mental health support can come in many forms. Whether it is counseling, medication, or other types of support, there are many paths to a stronger you.
6-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Spirituality
Women Veterans: A Legacy of Service
During Women’s History Month, we honor the important role women Veterans play in our military and in communities across the country.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service
Strength in Numbers: Lessons Learned in Veterans Group Therapy
Learn about how group therapy can help Veterans cope with mental health issues and difficult transitions from military service.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service
Finding New Purpose After the Military
Veterans talk about how they adjusted to civilian life and found purpose after the military.
5-minute read
Transitioning From Service
“I Never Realized That I Needed Help Too.”
For the National Day of the Deployed, Military Spouses Share Their Stories
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
Back to School: Pursuing College After the Military
Learn how you can pursue higher education after returning home from military service.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Student Veterans
What to Do After the Military?
What’s the next step after the military? How do skills from your service translate to qualifications for a new career or a civilian or government job? Here are a few tips.
4-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Retirement and Aging
This Military Couple Stood Side by Side
Veteran couples can face a unique challenge: How do I manage my own mental health while also supporting my partner? Read this military couple’s story.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
Veterans: Choose Strength Over Silence
The latest Make the Connection video, "Strength Over Silence," highlights stories of how Veterans used their voices and reached out for mental health treatment to improve their lives.
3-minute read
Jobs and Employment, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping
Four Stories That Will Inspire You This Mental Health Awareness Month
Servicemembers continue to inspire us after their military service. Read four inspiring stories of Veterans who overcame challenges such as PTSD and problems with drugs.
6-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, Flashbacks, Transitioning From Service