Serving the military is not only demanding, it is also difficult and dangerous. That is why many military personnel look forward to the day when they could retire from active duty. However, returning to civilian life also presents many challenges for the men and women who spent their prime years serving in the armed forces.

The Challenges outside Military Service

There’s enough reason for retirees to be concerned when they retire. The unique risks in service can have lingering consequences of psychological trauma. While these emotional health issues may or may not have been experienced DURING service, they can be triggered by different factors brought about by the transition to civilian life. These conditions may require treatment and other services that can only be provided by specialists.

Dependents of Active Duty Service members and Retirees can be prone to their own sets of issues Similar with the retirees, these conditions can be aggravated by post-service factors (in addition to DURING service factors). Difficulties are often experienced due to marital conflicts, financial problems or lack of community ties or networks. Veterans, irrespective of age, have greater chances of becoming alcohol and drug-dependent, and have higher tendency to inflict self-harm within two years after leaving service

If you’re set to retire, how would you manage the future and take care of your family’s well-being without making sure YOU are mentally/emotionally/physically/spiritually ok?

TRICARE Rescues the Rescuers

TRICARE offers plenty of options for retirees and dependents in terms of civilian emotional/behavioral care. Since 1966, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services or CHAMPUS, and currently known as TRICARE, has been providing millions of dependents and retirees the health care they need. There are four main benefit plans to choose from, such as TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Extra, TRICARE Select and TRICARE for Life. Other plans are TRICARE Young Adult, TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Retired Reserve. The benefits included in each plan vary the duty status, and location of the holder.

Except for TRICARE Prime, beneficiaries of other plans are usually not required to get a referral for any type of care, although prior authorization may be required for some medical services.

Making it Easy to Obtain Help

Retirees had their fair share of difficulties being away from their families as they put their lives at risk. Experiencing physical injury and emotional trauma can cause significant psychological effect that can manifest to both retirees and their dependents.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC understands and makes available the special support and attention required by retirees and dependents. Just call, text or send an e-mail to CCS to request an appointment. Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC accepts all TRICARE plans, including TRICARE Prime, without referrals. No need to call anyone but CCS!

Related Articles:

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• Counseling for Military Retirees
• Grief Counseling for Families of Unsung Heroes