How social connection can support following transition

Ensuring that veterans receive comprehensive support during this transition period is critical to maintaining balanced mental health. 

How transitioning to civilian life can affect mental health 

Leaving the structured, purpose-driven environment of military service can often result in a loss of identity, routine, and social connection, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.  

For those already managing service-related mental health concerns such as PTSD or depression, these challenges can intensify. 

Many veterans also face difficulties finding meaningful employment, navigating civilian systems, or translating their skills into the job market, which can add to feelings of financial and emotional stress. 

The stigma around seeking help and a limited awareness of available support services can create further barriers, working against veterans trying to transition to civilian life. 

Signs that a veteran is struggling 

Some signs that a veteran may be struggling with the transition to civilian life can include changes in mood, behaviour, or daily functioning. This might look like: 

• Withdrawing from family, friends, or social plans. 
• Losing interest in things they once enjoyed. 
• Difficulty sleeping. 
• Frequent irritability, anger outbursts, or persistent sadness. 
• Struggling to find or maintain employment. 
• Trouble concentrating. 
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden. 
• Substance misuse.
• In more severe cases, they may talk about death, express suicidal thoughts, or show signs of preparing for suicide (e.g. giving away possessions, saying goodbye). 

Recognising these signs early and offering support can be critical in preventing serious mental health crises.

If you are in immediate danger or having suicidal thoughts, call emergency services (000 in Australia) or present to the nearest hospital emergency department. You can also contact crisis support lines like Open Arms (1800 011 046), Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), which are available 24/7. 

Managing your mental health after transitioning 

When transitioning from the Defence Force to civilian life, it is important to take immediate and compassionate steps to ensure that you are helping to balance your health and wellbeing. 

A great place to start is by seeking help and talking to someone you trust such as a family member, friend, or former colleague. 

It is critical to have professional health support when going through a major change. Take time to contact a mental health professional or your GP to discuss your needs and support services that could be useful.  

There are also specialist services for veterans, including Mates4Mates and Open Arms, which provide free and confidential support from professionals who understand the military experience. 

It is also important to stay connected as isolation can worsen mental health concerns. Try to stay engaged with support networks, veteran groups, or peer support programs, including online communities. 

Social connection and mental health and wellbeing 

Social connection can play a vital role in supporting a veteran who is struggling with the transition into civilian life. Maintaining social connection can help to counteract feelings of isolation, loss of identity, and disconnection that often accompany this major life change. 

Veterans coming from a close-knit Defence environment may feel alone or misunderstood in civilian settings, which can affect their mental health and wellbeing. Maintaining strong social ties with family, friends, fellow veterans, or community groups can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. 

These connections create an opportunity to share experience, reduce stigma around seeking help, and remind veterans that they are not alone. 

Ultimately, social connection fosters resilience, improves wellbeing, and can be a powerful protective factor against depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. 

Support at Mates4Mates 

Mates4Mates offers support services to current and ex-serving Defence Force members, and family members, helping them with their physical, mental, and social health. 

Through Mates4Mates clinical services, veterans and family members can access a mental health team of psychologists, social workers and counsellors and physical rehabilitation team of exercise physiologists and physiotherapists to support their health and wellbeing. 

Mates4Mates offers a range of social connection activities, bringing together local Defence communities and providing you with the opportunity to try something new in a safe and supportive environment.  
 
Each Mates4Mates location offers different engaging activities, from archery, golf, or bike rides, to creative art workshops and monthly BBQs.    

For more information about Mates4Mates services and how we can help to support you, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.      

 
Written by Ann-Marie Trinh, Mates4Mates Psychologist