Mental health stigma in the Military, what have you done to lessen the overall Impact?

I think it's important to talk about it at all levels. A direct supervisor has the most impact on reducing stigma through day-to-day interactions. However, if direct supervisors don't have the support of their command then it's hard to back up words with actions. A hypothetical example: I can tell my troops all day long that it is not weak to have a mental health issue and that it takes strength to admit when we are suffering and to seek help. If my commander doesn't give me leeway to allow my troops to take the time they need to get better, then it's pointless. Also, to reduce stigma we need to TALK about mental health in front of each other. We need to normalize mental health as much as possible. And when our troops scoff and make snide comments about mental health we need to correct it in front of everyone to set the standard. I commend you SFC Kayla Sondrol for bringing this issue to light. We need more NCO's like you!

I am a former Combat Medic (92B20), a former LPN (92C20), and I am currently an Army Nurse, (RN) with >24 years in health care and >27 years in service.  I've seen the military shift from mental health being a career ending situation to becoming more accepted by the command.  One thing that I believe helped me look at mental health in a whole new light is 3 1/2 years experience working on in-patient acute locked psychiatric wards.  Some of the patients that I worked with were fine human beings that were experiencing a temporary condition and I recognized them for being insightful enough to seek therapeutic care.  I will tell you that there are some conditions that, although they may be manageable, are not well suited to an armed service.  I will also tell you that many conditions are manageable with proper compassion and care.  A couple decades ago I learned that my reaction to those individuals who need care can have a life long effect on them and I voluntarily chose to be part of the healing process, not a barrier.  I've run clinics in the WTU where people have been placed to receive care focused on meeting their needs to RTD or to move onto civilian life as functional as we could aid them to be.  If they were transitioned out of the Army we set them up with follow on care from the VA of their choosing.  I believe that Army healthcare is to provide confidential healthcare and the active support the patient needs to become as healthy, physically and mentally, as we have the ability to provide.   We work with America's sons and daughters and that carries a great responsibility that should never be forgotten by those in leadership positions at any rank or by the professionals who provide care.