United States Department of Veterans Affairs
MIRECC Centers

Coaching Into Care - Signs of Difficulty

Coaching Into Care - Helping you help your Veteran find care.

Signs your Veteran may need help:

  • Sleep problems
  • Restlessness
  • Overly watchful
  • Easily angered
  • Social withdrawal
  • Depression
  • Reckless driving
  • Risk behaviors (alcohol abuse, smoking)

Signs of Difficulty

Veterans of recent combat operations may have difficulty transitioning from combat to home life. They may be reluctant to seek help, or even unaware they need it. He or she may have been changed by combat, and may not want to talk about it. He or she may even feel their suffering is shameful or a sign of personal weakness.

You’ve changed, too—maybe running the house without your Veteran present has made you more independent.

Be patient. Be supportive. And be aware that behaviors like those listed above may signify your Veteran needs assistance.