Coping With Transition-Related Stress
The experiences of thousands of service members who have recently separated suggest that this
transition is likely to be stressful for you and your family. Those that have transitioned in
the past have found several tactics extremely important in dealing with the stress related to
separation from the military:
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Get going: It is your transition; no one can do it for you. Work through the
transition process and do not procrastinate. Put your situation in perspective and get on with
your life. After all, you are not the first person to go through transition, and you will not
be the last. You'll do okay too.
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Sell yourself: You have a great product—YOU! So sell yourself! Now is not the time
to be modest about your accomplishments. No one will come looking for you unless they know you
are available. Once you let them know, you will find many people who will help you.
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Work at it: Work at planning your transition as if it were a job. However, if
you spend every waking hour working on it, you will burn out. Take time for yourself and your
family.
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Lighten up: This is probably the most important piece of advice. Do not lose
your sense of humor. An upbeat disposition will see you through.
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Keep your family involved: Your family has a large stake in your
transition. They are experiencing many of the same feelings, worries, and uncertainties as you
are. Do not keep your plans to yourself; get your family involved in this process. Let
them in on your plans and ask for their input throughout the process. It's their life
too.
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Volunteer: Consider doing volunteer work. Your charitable actions will help
others and assist you in getting to know the community beyond the military installations and
enhance your networking.
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Take a change management course: Consider taking a change management course before
stress appears, or at the first signs of stress.
