The transition from the structured, mission-driven military to the uncertainties of civilian life is a very heavy mental health burden for many veterans across the country, including Washington State.
For those living in Washington State, it often takes two incomes just to cover basic needs, like food, shelter, and clothing. According to the data, Washington is the third highest demographic for food insecurity amongst our military and veteran families.
And while there is a desire to work and combat the stressors that go along with financial issues, there are often hiring challenges around spouses.
In 2023, 48% of active-duty families reported spousal employment challenges as a major family stressor, and in 2021, 18% reported it as a potential reason for separating from the military.
The latest research conducted by South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) and WDVA found the following to employment challenges by military spouses in Washington State (out of 616 who participated in the survey):
64% Childcare Challenges
42% Difficulty finding employment in my chosen field or at my edu./ experience level
40% Permanent change of station/move-related challenges
40% Too little pay or benefits
29% Housing challenges
23% Transportation challenges
20% Lack of access to supports
19% Employer bias
17% Issues with licensing or certification
3% Challenges related to providing care for an adult
10% other
8% N/A or have not sought employment in WA
Staying in the military has its rewards, along with it’s challenges. Just as transitioning to the civilian sector comes with its own rewards and challenges.
Regardless, such a shift can be overwhelming, and if you choose to “get out,” resilience and mental wellness tools will enable you to deal with such challenges and thrive in your post-service journey.
At Operation Military Family, we understand that transition can be a very specific and stressful time in the life of a veteran. For this reason, the Discover Your Post-Service Identity Program (DYPSI) imparts methods for building resilience, managing one’s mental health, and finding one’s sense of purpose again.
As described above, for many veterans, challenges in transition often include things such as
- Stress and uncertainty: Moving from the structured military environment into a non-structured civilian world is disorienting.
- Loss of mission and purpose: Veterans can feel adrift without the clear direction provided by military service.
- Mental health struggles: Anxiety, stress, and other challenges often surface as veterans navigate the unfamiliar territory of civilian life.
How DYPSI Helps WA Veterans
DYPSI provides practical tools and expert-led coaching on how veterans can surmount these challenges and continue to thrive. Here’s how:
- Building Resilience: Veterans learn to establish new routines, establish realistic goals, and develop mental toughness. This aids in bringing order to the civilian environment and lessens the shock or feeling of being overwhelmed.
- Mental Health: Tools to identify and handle stress triggers, overcome anxiety, and care for one’s health. DYPSI stresses the importance of being mindful, using techniques to manage stress, and having a support system to keep the veterans anchored during this transition.
- Rediscovering Purpose: A sense of mission doesn’t have to stop when military service does. DYPSI leads veterans to set clear personal and professional goals, finding a new purpose in civilian life.
Your Next Steps
- Acknowledge the Challenge: Understand that feeling overwhelmed is normal, and there are tools to help.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health: Take steps to identify stressors and focus on your well-being.
- Engage with Programs Like DYPSI: Benefit from tailored support to help you navigate the transition effectively.
Join DYPSI Today
Ready to take charge of your mental health and build resilience for the future? DYPSI is here to support veterans across Washington State with expert coaching, practical tools, and community connections.
Register now to start your journey toward a resilient and purpose-driven civilian life: https://operationmilitaryfamily.com/unite-us-intake-form/.
We’d love to hear from you! What’s been your biggest mental health challenge during your transition? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s support one another and build a strong veteran community in Washington State.