Is the mental health stigma still alive and well in 2016?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 06:34:04 -0400

Recent events have shown me that it is still. I have seen that this question has been asked in the past, but I think this issue is one that should always be at the forefront until the stigma is gone

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 6:38 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 06:38:07 -0400

Yes. There is no way anyone in the military wants to work with someone who is considered to be in need of mental help. They can encourage you to seek help all they want, but the moment you do, they want you to disappear and become someone else's problem.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 20 at 2016 6:48 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 06:48:27 -0400

If the person has emotional problems, they need to be helped not hindered, this can led to deep hate and possible retaliation against others.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 6:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 06:58:27 -0400

As a leader, I find it difficult to look a soldier in the eye and tell them that there will be no ill effects from them seeking help for behavioral issues. Once this is on the record it follows them for the rest of their career.

I want all soldiers to get the help they need, but the services need to realize that we will have SM who have these issues. These Soldiers can be fully functional and should not be discarded.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 7:07 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 07:07:16 -0400

Yes it is no matter what the military and propaganda videos say.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Apr 20 at 2016 7:43 AM

CPT Tom Monahan — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 07:43:22 -0400

There is a stigma and also the Feds through SSDI don't consider it as fibula tatting as a physical injury/disease. SSDI benefits and those from private disability insurers a minimal compared to physical injury/disease. Also look at the trends on restricting 2nd amendment rights if you have a mental illness. Lastly, mental illness is not always visible and people who don't understand it fail to realize how it can limit a person.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Apr 20 at 2016 7:47 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 07:47:38 -0400

I tell my Soldiers all the time that we are all fallible. Some just hide their problems better than others. The stigma will always exist largely due to privacy issues. The majority don't want to broadcast or for others to know their issues. I have seen people of all ranks with mental health or character issues. You are not alone if seeking help and all of us should be self aware about our flaws as it gives us empathy for those in need.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 20 at 2016 10:14 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 10:14:09 -0400

Yes

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 20 at 2016 12:37 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 12:37:10 -0400

Yes. You can't change a mass number of people's minds about a stereotype. Veterans of OIF and OEF are often thought to be murderers and thieves: we stole stuff and killed people without provocation while we were deployed. They are narrow-minded and ignorant. I've had people 'judge' me just because they found out I was a Veteran (Medic). A whole attitude change. It's sad to see how people can be.

Response by SPC(P) Carlos Santini made Apr 20 at 2016 5:11 PM

SPC(P) Carlos Santini — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 17:11:13 -0400

YES. I really hate myself because I do have mental health issues and I feel ashamed for having to admit I do to anyone else. I would rather stay home and hide instead of explain my actions at times.