The Unspoken Battle: How Veterans Can Process Grief and Find Support

(Sponsored Content)

For many veterans, grief is an unseen but deeply felt battle—one that doesn’t always come with medals, recognition, or clear solutions. The loss of loved ones, divorce or end of a long-term relationship, the weight of past experiences, and the transition to civilian life can all bring waves of grief that often go unspoken.

While the military teaches service members to push through pain and stay mission-focused, grief doesn’t operate under orders. It lingers, surfaces at unexpected times, and, if left unaddressed, can lead to isolation, depression, and even physical health issues. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

If you or a veteran in your life is struggling with grief and loss, there are ways to process it, find healing, and access meaningful support.

Understanding Grief in the Veteran Community

There are over 40 losses that produce the range of emotion we call grief, and for veterans, it is complex. It’s not just about death—it can also be tied to:

• Survivor’s Guilt: Feeling guilty for making it home when others did not.
• Loss of Identity: Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel like losing a part of who you are.
• Physical Injury: Struggling with mobility issues caused by your time in the service.
• Compounded Grief: The weight of multiple losses over time—friends, family members, or a sense of purpose.

Unlike physical wounds, grief doesn’t always have visible signs, making it easy to dismiss. But unprocessed grief doesn’t go away—it finds other ways to show up.

Steps to Processing Grief

1. Acknowledge the Pain

Ignoring grief won’t make it disappear. It’s okay to say, “This hurts.” Suppressing emotions may feel like the easier route, but in reality, it prolongs suffering. Recognizing your grief is the first step toward healing.

2. Find Your Outlet

Every veteran processes grief differently. Some find comfort in hobbies, or exercise, while others benefit from talking with trusted friends or professionals. Identifying what helps you express your emotions is crucial.

3. Connect with Fellow Veterans

There’s something powerful about talking with others who understand. Whether it’s through veteran grief support groups, VA-sponsored counseling, or informal meetups, surrounding yourself with people who “get it” can provide comfort and validation.

Learn more about a FREE Grief and Wellness Group Program for Virginia Veterans, Service Members and Family Members.

4. Seek Professional Help When Needed

If grief feels overwhelming or begins affecting your daily life, consider talking to a professional. Therapists, chaplains, and grief counselors trained in military culture can help you navigate emotions without judgment.

5. Honor Those You’ve Lost

One way to process grief is by channeling it into something meaningful. Consider volunteering, mentoring younger veterans, or participating in memorial activities. Honoring those who’ve passed can turn pain into purpose.

Moving beyond loss: Join a Free Grief and Wellness Group

If you’re looking for a safe, supportive space to work through grief, we invite you to join Forever Healed’s free grief and wellness group for Virginia veterans, service members, and their families.

This 8-session (virtual) program is designed to help you:
✅ Process grief in a judgment-free environment
✅ Connect with others who understand your journey
✅ Learn strategies for accepting and managing grief
✅ Recognizing the stages of healing from loss

📅 Upcoming Virtual Session Starts May 1st!

If the thought of your loss, no matter how insignificant you think it is, brings you hurt, pain, disappointment, and unresolved waves of emotions, it is time to take your life back.

Grief is not a burden you have to carry alone. You served your country—you deserve support in your healing. Whether it’s through a grief support group, a trusted friend, or a professional counselor, taking action is the first step toward peace.

If you or a loved one is struggling with grief, consider joining us at Forever Healed. Your healing matters. Your story matters. And most importantly, you are not alone.

"As a proud SOS Program Grantee and daughter of a veteran, we are committed to offering support and dedicated services to those who have served our nation," said Sharvette Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Productions, LLC.

"This program represents a unified approach among caring organizations to foster healing and promote long-term wellness,” said Lina Lassiter, Founder and President of Forever Healed, Inc.

The collaboration brings together experts from Mitchell Productions, LLC (Sharvette Mitchell), Forever Healed, Inc. (Lina Lassiter), Enlightenment Counseling Services, LLC (Erika Brooks, LPC, CSAC), and Destined 2 Thrive Grief Coaching (Lynn Lewis), each bringing unique skills and insights into this initiative and multi-faceted aspects of grief, loss and recovery.

The Department of Veterans Services, SOS Program is an official Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Veterans Services Program.