Are service members afraid to seek mental health help?

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 16:45:41 -0500

What do you say to a Vet service member that knows they have issues, but is aware of the stigma, the unwanted consequences of seeking counseling, knows that once that genie is out of the bag, it can not be put back or forgotten and will, not if, but WILL be used against that member at some point in a negative manner.

Issues that are perhaps not catastrophic (suicide ideations) but troubling.. A movie scene that triggers memories and emotional stress and distress. Temporary depression lasting min, hours or days.. not long term hide in the closet. Survivor guilt that festers below the surface for weeks or months then hits hard. Likely they will self medicate to some extent.

You want to tell them, the "right" answer, go get help... but you know they have a point.. it will be used against them later.. For the sake of discussion, don't go down the privacy law, confidentiality clauses, ect.. We know that to be a false security. We know the info is shared among governmental agencies, we know law enforcement can gain access, we know the VA plays fast and loose with the specific info and the data as a whole. . So lets just leave the fantasy of privacy out of the conversation please.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 3 at 2015 4:50 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 16:50:36 -0500

I have a Navy friend. She is medically retired. About a year after she got out, she got a letter from the VA basically saying that she is not qualified to handle her own affairs, including her own retirement benefits.

She was able to get this squared away after a couple of months, and a hell of a fight.

Under no circumstances will I ever go to the VA about a mental issue. I don't trust the VA to deal with any mental health issue, after seeing what happened to a friend.

I realize she may have been an isolated incident. But what if she wasn't....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 4:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 16:53:13 -0500

Military Onse Source SGM Erik Marquez, I believe that it works for veterans as well.

Outside source without the usual stigma.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 3 at 2015 6:06 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 18:06:30 -0500

More hassle than its worth. They have to deal with the bureaucracy of the VA, which I’ve heard is a headache. Then for some, it’s shame and fear. The military instills a pretense in us that makes us want to be stronger and any sign of weakness is a vulnerability to be exploited. It takes strength to ask for help and realize that you’ve reached the limit of what you are capable of accomplishing on your own, but the military mentality is that asking for help is only for the ‘weak’. Actions speak louder than words, our leaders are saying to seek help, but their actions say differently.

Response by Cpl Christopher Sturdevant made Feb 3 at 2015 6:24 PM

Cpl Christopher Sturdevant — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 18:24:23 -0500

For me, coming off of active duty and finding out somethings don't go away, you hear horror stories and nevermind the stigma but finding out it's actually true. That and having to find out the hard way about all these different specialists that can help. It took a breakdown for me to finally get what I needed from the VA because I didn't know where to go or who to see. All I had was the crisis phone number. My first visit with the VA, horror stories were affirmed, I didn't want meds, I refused them. I just wanted to talk but that information was not as readily available as you would think it was. More visits with the VA were only frustrating and going nowhere but having more meds that I still refused.

I digress, but as for your question, if they really need it, I say screw the stigma and the adverse reactions. The best way to tell them, is just to tell them straight but help them avoid the bureaucratic minefield and have resources ready and available.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 3:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 03:37:54 -0500

I think there is a far larger stigma about Behavioral Health than what it truly is. Yes there are negative situations, negative leaders in Behavioral Health fields just like any other. But I have seen much more compassionate, concerned civilians, enlisted and officers than not. People who generally help others to the best of their abilities.

If a leader is punishing someone for seeking help that is the wrong answer. Personal beliefs about it being weak or false aside. it is the responsibility of the NCO's and Officers to see that their soldiers are mission capable. People love to say the new generation is weak, and the Army is going soft. But that next generation is not just the negative spectrum people cling to for their own reasons. There are strong, brave men and women in that generation. They will be the ones fighting in the next war not you or I. So instead of complaining about them we need to mentor them while we can.

I've seen far to many members of my former unit go downhill after deployments because they are to "Strong" to get help. Now they are alcoholics, suffering night terrors and countless other things. The system is broken and the only way to fix it is in your own lives, and those you can affect.

Behavioral Health is far more acceptable now than it was even five years ago and I hope this trend continues.

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Feb 4 at 2015 11:14 AM

Maj Matt Hylton — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 11:14:41 -0500

I think many people are hesitant. I haven't talked to anyone other than my wife (and even that is minimal) about things I witnessed/experienced in Iraq.

I didn't want to go to mental health because of the possibility of it coming back on me negatively (whether it should or not). I've seen it used against friends of mine in the Army - two of which who were probably unjustly pushed out recently (in my opinion).

Now that I'm getting out, I'm thinking about going to see mental health now. What do I have to lose at this point?

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 4 at 2015 11:21 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 11:21:57 -0500

Yes, having served many years in the military your statement is correct. Once you seek counseling for some mental issue and the highers find out you are on your way out of the military in some fashion. Opportunities dry up and you are on some black list from that day forward and are classified as a risk. Now that I am retired it doesn't matter what they think because I am too old to care. Thankful for getting older.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 1:24 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 13:24:44 -0500

This is a major question that comes up numerous times a week in our platoon. I, myself, went to behavioral health for some minor anxiety partially due to the ensuing birth of my first child. My wife decided to leave her well paying job to be at home with our daughter and I NATURALLY had some anxiety due to the cut in household income and the addition of a child. I'm an anxious and uptight person to begin with.

Anyway, I later had to disclose this information on an OCS physical. On paper I'm just another Soldier going to BH with emotional issues. In reality, I went twice, talked it out, and felt much better. No issues since. While I haven't yet received the final division on OCS I can imagine the panel took a little more time with my packet because of this.

All in all this sparks many others in my platoon to share the same fear. "If I go get help when I need it, is the Army going to hold it against me for as long as I'm in?" While I don't know this to be true, certain connotations are made when it is consistently noted on all your health forms.

Sorry for the long winded answer, but this is near and dear to me and my Soldiers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 1:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 13:43:15 -0500

This is where I enjoyed being a case manager. Honestly, for people that are afraid to seek care, I have a 2nd avenue open. I have a network of peers that help, am willing to listen myself, and know a few behavioral health providers that are happy to do "behind the scenes" counseling for people that are looking to avoid the stigma.

The only time I press the issue comes to when the Service Member or those around him are in danger.....at that point it becomes a far more secure help. As a Company Commander, I think it's doubly important. I would rather have a Soldier come to me knowing that I will take care of them quietly and do what I need to do than letting them feel alienated and committing suicide or murder because of their struggles.

MilitaryOneSource does have some anonymous behavioral health counseling as well....including a crisis hotline. I've known several people that have managed to utilize that with quality resources. I can dig in further regarding veteran options as well.

If you are referencing a specific Soldier, I'd be happy to try to help however I can. Just add me as a contact and drop me a message.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 1:50 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 13:50:20 -0500

It's my opinion, that many fear punitive reactions by command, or are afraid of even punitive (career-ending) decisions being made on their behalf. Such as the female soldier that was diagnosed with being bi-polar...here on RP.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 14:16:58 -0500

I tell them to go if they absolutely need to because contrary to what is claimed the military still will discharge people rather than help them. Security clearances can be destroyed resulting in loss of civilian opportunities. Sorry, there's no evidence the military actually cares more than to know who to kick out.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Feb 10 at 2015 4:25 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:25:22 -0500

you hit all the points that I would have. To seek help will most likely take your lifestyle away, all this, because big brother wants control of all aspects of our lives!

Response by 1SG Russell S. made Aug 16 at 2017 8:30 AM

1SG Russell S. — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 08:30:30 -0400

Tell him/her to find a VA Vet Center. Bring DD214 and they will help. If meds are needed they will refer.
A tough first step but the right step.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 16 at 2017 6:02 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 18:02:36 -0400

Well a friend of mine said you need to be very careful when filling out a medical information form these days as it can affect your right to have firearms so there is a stigma with any kind of mental illness or treatment for same that keeps some G.I.'s from seeking the help they need. These stigmas are that they are weak and can't handle the voices in their heads or are combat fatigued from multiple deployments. Whatever the cause these individuals need to be reached out to and brought in for treatment by someone they can trust. Maybe you and I in some instances?

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Aug 22 at 2017 10:55 AM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 10:55:00 -0400

Yes I was going thru a rough divorce and went to see a counselor i wrote it on my med info sheet and next thing you know I was no longer worldwide qualified for deployments. We do all the suicide awareness training, the brass talk on tv about making sure our mental health needs are taken care of. The reality is is that if a military member gets consoling Etc it adversely effects there career, and that is not told the public or the new kids entering the military.

Response by SGT Christopher Lachcik made Aug 22 at 2017 1:24 PM

SGT Christopher Lachcik — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 13:24:15 -0400

I hope they aren't. Fuck the stigma they think exist, if you have problems then it shouldn't be an issue to speak up about it.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 15 at 2019 3:59 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 03:59:57 -0400

I think so, because of the perception that’s something wrong with them for the wrong reasons! As opposed to getting the right help and assistance!

Response by A1C Donna Mars made Apr 7 at 2022 8:12 AM

A1C Donna Mars — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:12:40 -0400

Yes. To answer your questions. I have had drs share my medical information to mental health also going against everything I know about hippa. And a letter from the privacy office blowing me off. So yes it works in reverse. And I'm sure civilian organisation's get access to all our records. They were talking awhile back about revoking gun rights to people who get mental health care also those who get social security.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 9 at 2022 7:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 19:42:10 -0400

Let's talk about PTSD and the hinderances of seeking help. I will play the part.
- I am a soldier and I can accomplish anything to include healing myself.
- I have many fears. How would I support my family if I get separated? What does the future mean? The army is all I know in regard to occupation.
- Sometimes those who seek help are treated like shit by the CoC.
- I don't know if anyone can fix me.
- Sometimes SMs will make mistakes like getting a DUI which will probably trigger an investigation into the DUI and the mental state. Sometimes there is compassion, sometimes not.

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Apr 10 at 2022 12:22 PM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 12:22:31 -0400

Are these active or vets out of service?

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Apr 10 at 2022 4:34 PM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 16:34:48 -0400

I have had nothing but a positive experience with the VA concerning my mental health issues.