Loss of structure
The military culture provides structure and routine. With retirement, this can be a major life change. Being disconnected to everything familiar can leave you and the Veteran feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
I hate the lack of structure and predictability… (I miss) the attention to detail and being on time. All these sorts of things. - Military Veteran
What the Veteran
You may feel lost at how to organize or fill your day. You may feel like you don’t belong anywhere. You may find yourself overinvolved or overbearing with your partner and children. You may feel lethargic and find yourself housebound.
What the spouse and family may experience
Being released from the structure of service may leave you:
- With a new sense of freedom and possibility,
- Filled with uncertainty, feeling lost and stressed,
- Somewhere along that spectrum.
If the Veteran is struggling with this significant transition, you will likely also be significantly impacted. Understanding what they may be facing, encouraging discussion, and recognizing that this isn’t your responsibility to fix - that you can care but you can’t carry them - can help you navigate this time.
For more information, see Supporting you and the Veteran in your life.