Posted on Mar 12, 2020
J D
J D
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My wife is new to the Army she's only been in about 7 months. While she was in AIT her mother passed away and she has been having a really tough time dealing with it. Now that she is out of training and in the regular Army we both think that she needs to see a therapist but she's been told by multiple people in her unit that she shouldn't. They've said that it will be viewed as a negative and especially so because of how new she is. She was told that it would be part of her file and potentially prevent her from moving up. We want to know if this is true and if so what options she has. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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LTC Self Employed
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With the army having a suicide stand down every other month, I think the army is more Sympathetic. Have her talk to a chaplain.

We have had too many generals commit suicide because they felt they were too good to seek professional help. If somebody gives your wife crap tell them a lieutenant colonel (Me) sent you this story.
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2017/01/11/army-report-self-doubt-and-sleep-deprivation-led-to-2-star-s-suicide/
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SGT Robert Pryor
SGT Robert Pryor
4 y
Thank you LTC (Join to see), That's pretty powerful. I was just going to also say talk to a Chaplain, but what you wrote is so much more meaningful. I hope this young family takes your advice and proceed with working thought this difficult time. And my sympathy to your bride, J D and the entire extended family on the loss of your mother-in-law.
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LTC Self Employed
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1SG Retired
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Those encouraging her to not seek therapy/counseling are mistaken.
I strongly encourage you to support her in
seeking counseling/therapy. Please note that the Chaplain, in addition to health care providers, is another source.
Failing to seek counseling/therapy is unwise, and, truth be told, has the potential to have a negative impact on duty performance and family life.
Tell her to seek it; support her; and, tell her to hold her head high.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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J D Absolutely have seek help immediately through the chaplain services on base and don't wait. The loss of love one can be devastating and she needs the counseling. She can also connect with me and Warriors for Life (WFL) Virtual Support Group - it's private, no judgment, no stigma, and we've all been through the loss of a love one and even those who've died from Suicide. We meet on Satruday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evening every week. We're here for veterans Juan. Here is my contact: [login to see] You can both reach out to me and I will give you the information to connect. Take care of her my friend.
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