Life After Returning Home Essay

When veterans return home from war most people would think it is a sense of relief, or maybe even a blessing. Most people do not realize how accustomed people get to life in war. Coming home is an issue and it is a growing issue for returning veterans. Veterans are not able to jump back in to society’s civilian life, they struggle with even the simple everyday tasks. We do not know the horrors veterans have faced away from home but we do know that it is not easy going to war. I believe that more veterans are developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after returning home. This issue should be addressed because of the many things veterans have done for our country. Veterans fight for our freedom, risk their own lives, and help us fight battles

to keep us safe. These men and women are our heroes, but why aren’t we treating them like heroes? There are many things that cause PTSD such as the lack of counseling offered to veterans, the lack of support from the government, being thrown straight back into civilian life, and the feelings of isolation. These causes can contribute to effects such as suicide, alcoholism, drug abuse, and many other mental health problems.
A big problem veteran’s face after returning home from war is adjusting to the lack of structure. While discharged they are told every move they need to make and they do not ask questions. Ahern stated, “The environment was described as “black and white”—a setting in which orders are given and obeyed.” (Ahern) When they return home they have many options on what to do. You may think this is an easy transition but it is quite the challenge. Veterans become accustomed to this way of life and it is hard to get used to being back in charge. They are uncomfortable with not having their days planned out from waking up to going to bed. Veterans are used to having a plan every moment of the day. When they return home often they have excess amounts of free time, this is unusual. Veterans also face the inconsistency of meals, workouts, training and other activities while discharged. They also face everyday issues they are not comfortable with; they do not see clarity and are not at ease when facing these situations. As stated in the article, “Nearly half of veterans (11 of 24) noted that the structure in the military environment provided clarity and simplicity to decisions and procedures.” (Ahern) Most veterans would prefer going back to structure than trying to take care of themselves. The Challenges of Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans study states, “they want that structured life again because… you get used to it if you do it long enough. And then you get out, then all of a sudden you've got to take care of yourself.” (Ahern) Transitioning from structure to lack of structure is often a cause of depression in veterans.
‘People need People.” This shouldn’t surprise anyone except for those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

While everyone normally feels alone and lonesome once in a while after some sad event in our lives, “chronic loneliness” is extremely unhealthy and even dangerous.” (Burke) No one can imagine the horrific events veterans experience without actually witnessing them personally. War causes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, this is a major form of depression. Veterans feel lonely and the experiences of war set in. Coming home can be a great feeling at first but once veterans start civilian life they tend to isolate themselves. People who are hurting isolate themselves by convincing their brain that they do not need anyone. As Burke states, “Being alone” is falsely believed to be the only secure option in life for those mentally tormented.” (Burke) Being alone is not the answer, when veterans are alone they become more depressed. Veterans are scared of losing control of their emotions and hurting their loved ones. The Dangers of Loneliness states, “I believed that being by myself protected me from being “found out,” from hurting others, from being hurt.” (Burke) Veterans get the misconception that they will hurt others if they are themselves. The loved ones of veterans often forget to love their veteran; they do at first, but as time goes on they forget they were once gone. Not showing enough love can cause veterans to feel more alone, they need to be shown they

are cared for. When they do not feel loved they isolate themselves more. Burke stresses, “As social animals, human “touch-flesh to flesh” contact with other individuals is a fundamental need, a “basic drive” of being alive and healthy.” (Burke) Remember to always make your veterans feel loved, give them a sense of belonging and help make sure they aren’t alone for excessive amounts of time.