How do you know you have mental health problems? Are you afraid to ask for help or do you attempt to "fix" it on your own?

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:40:44 -0400

Mental health issues affect 1 in 5 adults (and children) whether it is military-related or not. Despite many efforts, there is still bias, misunderstanding, and fear of being labeled incapable by peers. Asking for help and getting help is still viewed as a weakness, a decision that ruins not just the lives of the individuals struggling, but also the lives of loved ones. Please be brave and ask for "professional" help! You are not irreplaceable; you are important and deserve to live life to the fullest.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Apr 28 at 2023 8:10 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:10:24 -0400

SrA Elena Merriman If you ask yourself this question you most likely need help. Trying to "cure" yourself is most likely going to fail. The hardest thing there is is to admit you need help. The second hardest is to ask for it exactly for the reason you stated, fear of being labeled as weak.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2023 10:46 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 22:46:25 -0400

This two-part question is a little clunky. Figuring out if you have an actual "mental health problem" as opposed to other types of problems, is an entirely different question than "are you afraid to ask for help in your life?"

We won't solve the complexities and challenges of our mental health as service members unless we use clear terminology and concepts. Today's society says "mental health" but really is trying to.deacribe this huge overarching branch of holistic health that is actually encompassing many different types of health. That's not helpful, that's inhibiting.

Moreover, we need to get over ourselves. The temptation to label our many struggles in the service as branching from or into "mental health" is insanely high, and it easily leads to someone thinking they have PTSD by default. James Mattis was one of the first to call this for BS. Our civilian society began fearing that all Soldiers were broken and needed fixing because, well, all Soldiers started thinking they were broken and needed fixing.

This doesn't mean we don't need help with our struggles, that's utter foolishness. But it does mean we don't have to run to therapy and modern psychology anytime we are having issues.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 28 at 2023 11:25 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 23:25:03 -0400

VA sent me to a shrink in K-town. After we talked for a while, she said, "Yes, you are short a few marbles in your bag". Do I have mental health problems - could be. Living in Denmark I don't have much in the way of support, so I have learned what my demons are and how to cope with them. I work, play golf live good. Yea, I am out on patrol somewhere a few nights every month, but hey, life is good.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2023 3:28 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2023 15:28:45 -0400

It's so true that there is still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding around mental illness, which can make it hard for people to ask for help when needed. But asking for help is not a weakness; it's a sign of strength and courage. Mental illness can affect anyone, and there is no shame in seeking professional help to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember, you are important and deserve to live your life fully. If you need support or someone to talk to, many resources are available, including https://mentalhealthhotline.org/ that can provide confidential and compassionate support.

National Mental Health Hotline | 866-903-3787

The Mental Health Hotline is a free, confidential 24-hour hotline for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, or any mental health crisis. Call Free Now.