Conclusion

Grief is something that many Veterans experience, even if it shows up in unexpected ways or long after leaving service. It can affect your emotions, your actions, and your relationships with others, especially family. But facing your grief, rather than avoiding it, is the way forward. Learning to recognize and name what you have lost is the first step.

Connecting with others, whether old friends or new communities, can bring comfort and support. Honouring your own service and the service of others can also bring meaning to your experiences. There will be bumps and setbacks along the way. What matters is continuing to take small steps forward and reaching out when you need help. Just as everyone’s grief is different, what works for one person may not work for another, and what is helpful at one point in time may not be at another point in time. Everyone’s path is different, and every path has its own twists, turns and potholes.

Trust yourself, give yourself time, and know that healing is possible.