u/MandMs0106

I am honestly relieved to be moving on from SSVF. I used the program for about a year while getting back on my feet, and I am grateful for the help, but some of the experiences were frustrating and honestly discouraging. One thing that has been hard is feeling stereotyped because I am a younger woman and my disabilities are invisible. I am a disabled veteran with IBS, autoimmune conditions, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Just because someone does not visibly “look disabled” does not mean they are not struggling every day. After my original case manager went on emergency leave, I was assigned to someone new, and I did not feel understood or respected. At times it felt like assumptions were being made about me based on other veterans she may usually work with. She also shared a lot of her own personal trauma with me to help downplay what I was feeling which felt inappropriate in a professional setting. What is frustrating is that sometimes it feels like veterans who are visibly struggling or completely unable to function or substance abuse issues get more empathy,while those of us trying hard to better ourselves get overlooked. I am in a master’s program trying to build a better future for myself while managing chronic health issues every single day, and it is exhausting.
I can honestly understand why so many veterans become mentally drained, hopeless, and suicidal. The constant judgment, lack of understanding around invisible disabilities, and feeling like you have to prove your suffering over and over wears on you. I
already deal with enough judgment from people who do not understand invisible disabilities, especially when they see my disabled veteran plates. I am looking forward to starting fresh in a state with a lower cost of living and focusing on rebuilding my life.