LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) – The first and perhaps one of the longest and most constant challenges a veteran faces after active duty is readjusting to civilian life.

“When I left the military, it was like, you know, it was like they told me when to eat, they told me what to do. Everything was kind of dictated to me,” said Emily Lopez, retired Sfc. with the U.S. Army and a child worker from the Jim Taliaferro Community Mental Health Center. “When I was going to doctor’s appointments, I was messing up, so when I was leaving, it was like, ‘Oh my God.’

Suffering from higher rates of illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, veterans in the United States are 50% more likely to commit suicide than those who did not serve.

Lopez says most cases are unique and readjustments can be shocking.

“Everyone has their own situation,” said Richard West, senior social worker and 1st sergeant. with the United States Marine Corps Reserves. “I feel like a lot of people are struggling. You know, you’re separated from your family, you go through all these things, you develop trauma and stuff like that. I just feel this transition, like I said, where it’s kind of like you feel like you’re a little lost.

However, people like Richard West, senior case manager at Taliaferro and first sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, say that while awareness has come a long way, there is still work to be done.

“I think it came miles from where it was,” West said. “Just the awareness. If we could do better, it’s to raise awareness, raise awareness and advocate for mental health. Getting away from this stigma that it’s bad or weak or something like that.

Although it is important for those who are struggling to seek help, it is not always easy. West says encouragement from family and friends is important.

“This support system is vital. Everyone supports this veteran,” West said. “If they see something wrong, just encourage and support them through the process of making the decision to seek help.”

Sharing stories with each other is another tool that can help veterans.

“You get to hear about another experience that might be similar to yours,” Lopez explained. “If it’s similar to yours, it might be a good idea to ask for help, you know? Seeing someone else who maybe was able to ask for help and now has improved their life, so their mental health is better, I feel like that can encourage people a lot.

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