Fear of change is a common phenomenon in humans. This is especially true with veterans coming home from the service. However, it was not a problem when they first entered the military service. Thus we need to look at both the entry and exit to understand the difference. When the recruit entered to service and basic training they were joined with twenty or more other recruits. They all went through about three months of basic training together, and when changes in life styles took place it happened to all. We were clothed, fed, housed and worked in a true peer to peer, buddy system and when transferred to other bases it did not change that life style.
If we stayed in the service, got married and had children is was possible on some bases to get family housing on the base. That allowed the whole family to live in a peer to peer system .
The big problem arises when it becomes time for discharge from the service. Some combat service men have actually stated that they would prefer going back in combat rather than renter civilian life. Returning to civilian life is a major change of life. That change definitely causes the fear of change. The problem is that the veteran is not sure what or how to do the things needed and unlike when he entered the service, he is leaving the service alone. Does he find a job first or a home and how does he do either? He can also be afraid that the civilians will not accept him, believing he has PTSD or some other mental problem. The problem really increases if he is married and has children.
Chances are that his mustering out pay most likely will not be enough to cover a car or house, so where and how do you start? One of the big problems of fear of change is the fear of failure. They believe that they can’t tolerate the fact that they don’t know what’s coming. They always want to know what’s coming.
Unfortunately many veterans give up and are living on the street today. They are self medicated, with alcohol and drugs. This had lead to the civilians to ignore them out of fear of personal harm.
Veterans, you can get free help from any veteran organization in your area or the VA offices both federal and state. They can help you find a job, home or other needs. Even the Salvation Army or the Red Cross can also be of help to you, so don’t be afraid to ask them for help.
Help is available to you by calling the local VA hospital in Northport, (631) 261-4400 or Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255, press 1 to talk to a veteran or have a confidential chat at >VeteransCrisisLine.net< or text to 838255.If you have any question relating to veteran problems please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer it. Contact us at >Drfred72@Gmail.com< Rev. Frederick Miller, Ph.D.