What You Don't Know About Mental Health and Military Transition Until You Are Out of Uniform

Almost nine years retired, and I am still smarter than the sitting Chief of Staff and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force – at least in one area – may be the most important one of all!

I was lucky enough to serve at a level that gave me access to data and real-time observations of the airmen I served with and the ones I led. I always had a gap in my toolkit regarding that conversation with anyone "getting out"; that could be retirement, separation, or some other reason. It didn't matter because they were getting ready to leave the institution, had been institutionalized, and were "let out ."This is not like someone going through a lengthy prison term, who live a certain way for a long time under stress, and now you have to assimilate. The challenge is, where did those people get their advice from me – I was the one who knew everything, right?

Right now, today on the subject, the lowest ranking service member that has been out a year or more is more qualified to give that advice than the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs or any senior enlisted person you can find. You don't know until your venture out into the world where most were in your next organization; you think you are an asset with all your skills when, at the same time, the people you are working with think you are an ass.

When I was on active duty, I had breakfast with a former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and I asked the simple question about how was retirement; the guy who had the whole service at his fingertips, personal service for anything he wanted and once he left he told me he was dysfunctional, his adjustment was miserable. He and his wife had to relearn everything that had been done for them for so long. How could this man be miserable when he was at the top? When he left, there was nothing, a void, from 4-star to Mr. and fourth in line at the market. He was experiencing a stress void, and he was the Chief. Let's go back to my young airmen; I couldn't tell him about this phenomenon; I couldn't say you may get depressed, you may get in a bad place with booze or worse, and if you want to kill yourself, here is where you get help. I couldn't help because I didn't know the highest-ranking enlisted guy or gal around, and you are ignorant to it all; you are a novice and waiting for an education that currently has no teacher.

Where is our halfway house? Where are the people like me waiting to catch the Chief of Staff and prep him for what will be a familiar phenomenon for us all? The feelings of awkwardness in a new culture, using your reliable tools and values that served you so well to have them looked at in a negative light. All this without your battle buddy, wingman, shipmate, or fellow Marine.?

The services that are well known, Veteran's Administration and some non-profits, offer advice and some services but usually only after you are sick, addicted, or worse. There needs to be a transition into prevention and establishing a new identity. You should see mental health on the day you get out and a few times after and have a place to go at any point to find your brother and sisterhood again. This comes from the outside, and we have solutions at our fingertips.

Leaving military service is a significant life transition that can be exciting and daunting. Despite efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health in the military, there is still a sense of shame and weakness associated with seeking help for mental health issues. This can be especially true for those who have left the military, as they may feel that seeking help is a sign of failure or weakness.

It's important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to recognize that you need help and to take steps to address your mental health.

The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. You may feel disconnected from the people and your sense of purpose in the military. You may need help finding a job or a sense of direction in your new civilian life. And all of these changes can take a toll on your mental health.

It's important to give yourself time to adjust to your new life and seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if needed. Remember that this adjustment is a process, and it's okay to struggle with it.

Mental health issues can be triggered by transition

Leaving the military can be a traumatic experience for some service members. If you experienced trauma during your military service, transitioning out of the military can trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (#PTSD) or other mental health issues.?

It's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and seek help if needed. Many resources are available to help you navigate this transition and manage your mental health.

Leaving the military can be a challenging and exciting time, but it can also come with its own set of mental health challenges. It's essential to be aware of these challenges and seek help if needed. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness and that resources are available to help you through this transition.

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