Service members often face challenges readjusting to life after deployment. Learn about signs that may indicate you need help and free resources available.
Article: 5 minutes
Updated: July 15, 2026 Published: April 17, 2015
By: Josh Andrews, CFP® Reviewed by: Editorial contributors
Returning home after deployment can be stressful for both you and your family. But there are free, confidential resources available to help you readjust and protect your mental health.
Returning home after deployment can be a major adjustment. The shift to civilian routines can affect your body, your relationships and your sense of purpose. It’s normal for moving from a structured, mission-driven environment to civilian life to feel disorienting at times. Every service member’s experience is unique, and support is available at every stage. Whether you find yourself struggling to reconnect with family, adjust to your home station, or find your next mission, you don’t have to do it alone.
Some stress after military service is normal. However, if challenges linger or start to affect your daily life, it may be time to get help. Signs that you’re struggling can include:
There are several organizations and resources if you think you need to talk with someone or get support. Here are a few places to start.
Veterans and their families can access 24-hour confidential support through the Veterans Crisis Line. To reach the help line, call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
You can also reach free, confidential help by texting SERVE for English and SERVICIO for Spanish to 741741. This will connect you with trained volunteers at the Crisis Text Line.
Veterans in crisis can get up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential care and 90 days of follow-up outpatient care at no cost from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA also will cover the cost of transportation to care, and you don’t have to be enrolled in VA services to receive free care.
If you aren’t in crisis but need long-term support, you have several options:
Seeking support is a sign of strength. Service members are trained to look out for their teammates, and we should take just as good care of ourselves as we do for our military family. Recognizing when you’re struggling and asking for help early is important, and you don’t have to worry or be embarrassed because all these resources are confidential and will respect your privacy.
Keeping your mental, physical and financial health in balance supports readiness in every part of life. Staying active, maintaining healthy routines, connecting regularly with friends or fellow veterans, and making time to plan for financial goals will all help relieve stress and make it easier to ease back into civilian life. Small steps build long-term resilience.
Taking the first step toward support can feel hard and a little scary but know that you are never alone.
Help is there if you need it. You just have to ask.
Connect with programs and people ready to offer help at every step.