Associate Professor of Social Work Grand Valley State University
The focal point for this study was to provide combat Veterans an opportunity to voice their perspectives and experiences related to returning to civilian life after serving overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other conflicts. Their strengths, stressors, visible and invisible mental and medical challenges experienced after returning home were investigated.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
Identify key psychological, social, and economic challenges combat veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life.
Explore common mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety that affect combat veterans during their transition.
Discuss how relationships with family, friends, and employers are affected by military-to-civilian transition by analyzing the differences in structure, communication, and values between military and civilian culture and how these differences impact reintegration.
