Kamaria Hodge, MHC & & Psychotherapist

Are you a newly transitioning military veteran? If you are, you understand how difficult it may be to create a community outside of your the ones made up of your comrades, and battle buddies. 

So what do you do?

Many veterans talk about their isolation while trying to make a life in the civilian world. Some veterans have found community by hanging out in veteran-friendly spaces.

Many vets have found success by staying in these spaces but I implore you to branch out, become comfortable with the uncomfortable, or as we say - “embrace the suck.”

Go to your local public gathering, engage in hobbies that you may have neglected while serving, and meet people who enjoy doing the things that you enjoy doing.

As a veteran health is essential so, head straight to your local Veteran’s Affairs hospital admissions department. It may be tedious but well worth it in the long run.

As a veteran, you can join many clubs and centers and build long-lasting friendships and relationships. These include:

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - davny.org
Veterans of Foreign Wrs (VFW) - vfw.org
American Legion - legion.org
American Veterans - AMVETS.org
Wounded Warriors Project (wwp) - woundedwarriorproject.org
Vietnam Veterans of America (vva) - vva.org
Blue Star Mothers of America - bluestarmothers.org

Finally, seek out help should you find the transitioning process overwhelming. Each Veterans Affairs hospital offers mental health professionals who are willing and able to assist you. If you find that you want to find a veteran-friendly mental health practitioner outside of the VA you can look at therapist directories such as Psychology Today to find a veteran-friendly therapist in your state. 

As active service members, you may have been told to “tough it out” or to “keep marching soldier.” As a civilian and a veteran, you owe it to yourself to take care of yourself and therapy may be the best way to start that journey. 

Signed,
A US ARMY VETERAN, Hooah!