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.
Reclaiming Happiness
Hear how Daniel, a U.S. Navy photographer, learned to manage his PTSD symptoms with VA support.
September 02, 2021 | 3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Stress and AnxietyTurning 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.
August 05, 2021 | 3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Retirement and Aging, Family and RelationshipsRegaining Control Through Mindfulness
Gus had trouble sleeping and managing his emotions until his therapist introduced him to meditation.
May 05, 2021 | 3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Trouble SleepingPainting a Picture of Recovery
Like many Veterans, Mike had trouble expressing himself and dealing with his trauma. Then he discovered art therapy.
April 20, 2021 | 4-minute read
PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Transitioning From ServiceFour Inspiring Stories From Women Veterans
Discover how these four women Veterans have overcome some of life’s toughest challenges and learned to thrive by taking care of their mental health.
March 24, 2021 | 7-minute read
Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Stress and AnxietyRetirement 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.
March 09, 2021 | 6-minute read
Retirement and Aging, Transitioning From Service, DepressionLiving 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.
February 10, 2021 | 3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From ServiceA 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.
January 12, 2021 | 5-minute read
Transitioning From ServiceFrom Ship to Shelter
Learn how Lidia, a U.S. Navy Veteran, overcame homelessness with the help of VA’s programs and resources.
October 20, 2020 | 3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Depression, HomelessnessThe 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.
August 21, 2020 | 5-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, DepressionTorn Between Worlds
Some Veterans experience trauma over and over because sudden flashbacks won't let them leave the past in the past.
August 10, 2020 | 5-minute read
PTSD, Flashbacks, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and AnxietyHiding 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.
July 24, 2020 | 2-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, SuicideSteps 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.
July 10, 2020 | 5-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping, Feeling on Edge, Problems with AlcoholSupport for Women Veterans
“For You,” a new PSA from Make the Connection, highlights the challenges that women Veterans may face as mothers, wives, daughters, and friends.
June 05, 2020 | 2-minute read
Family and Relationships, 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.
April 23, 2020 | 4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Problems with AlcoholLearn 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.
April 23, 2020 | 4-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Stress and AnxietyTake 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.
April 23, 2020 | 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.
April 23, 2020 | 3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From ServiceThese 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.
March 20, 2020 | 3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and AnxietyOne 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.
March 06, 2020 | 4-minute read
Jobs and Employment, Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping, Problems with AlcoholStay Active After Active Duty
Hear some Veterans describe how recreational activities enhance their mental well-being — and their lives.
January 23, 2020 | 3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and AnxietyMy 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.
January 07, 2019 | 3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From ServiceMy 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.
November 29, 2018 | 2-minute read
Transitioning From ServiceVeterans on Finding Purpose After Service
Getting out of the military and returning to civilian life can present both opportunities and challenges.
October 29, 2018 | 1-minute read
Transitioning From ServiceA 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.
September 11, 2018 | 3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service5 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.
May 14, 2018 | 6-minute read
Transitioning From Service, SpiritualityWomen 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.
March 12, 2018 | 3-minute read
Transitioning From ServiceStrength 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.
February 21, 2018 | 3-minute read
Transitioning From ServiceFinding New Purpose After the Military
Veterans talk about how they adjusted to civilian life and found purpose after the military.
January 09, 2018 | 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
October 25, 2017 | 5-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From ServiceBack to School: Pursuing College After the Military
Learn how you can pursue higher education after returning home from military service.
September 11, 2017 | 3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Student VeteransWhat 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.
July 13, 2017 | 4-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Retirement and AgingThis 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.
June 22, 2017 | 3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From ServiceVeterans: 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.
May 10, 2017 | 3-minute read
Jobs and Employment, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Transitioning From Service, Trouble SleepingFour 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.
April 24, 2017 | 6-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, Flashbacks, Transitioning From Service