What will it take to change the stigma of seeking mental health aid?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 17:24:23 -0500

What would be most effective? GO's and Field Grades speaking about it, Company grade Officers and 1SGs, or Platoon SGT's and NCO's?

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/10/06/tour_of_duty_ptsd_ty_carter_iraq_afghanistan_military_veterans

Suicide Mission

Ty Carter fought in Afghanistan and became a hero. Now he has one more enemy to fight: PTSD.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 5:39 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 17:39:21 -0500

Sir, I think GOs and other officers speaking about seeking mental health care themselves will help change things and diminish the stigma.

Here's something of an example: MG (Ret) Graham spoke about PTSD and suicide. He lost two sons in one year. Here's the story:

http://www.npr.org/2014/10/04/352772201/one-military-family-two-lost-sons-one-to-combat-one-to-suicide

One Military Family, Two Lost Sons: One To Combat, One To Suicide

In The Invisible Front, journalist Yochi Dreazen tells the story of the Grahams, a close-knit family that lost two sons in the span of a year and then took up the fight against military suicide.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 14 at 2014 8:24 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:24:45 -0500

Return it to a privet discussion between the person seeking help and the provider.

Currently there are to many "hands" in the pie

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Dec 14 at 2014 11:41 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 23:41:56 -0500

Incredible article. Where would this soldier be today if that ONE person did not ask the question and offer support. Post Traumatic Stress can affect anyone. It is the invisible wound and it needs to be adressed nationwide. It should not be feared. It should not be shunned. And ignorant people that look at you and say "there's nothing wrong with you" should be slapped and the educated. (Not really slapped, but I have wanted to).

Response by TSgt Craig Shoun made Jan 28 at 2015 8:07 PM

TSgt Craig Shoun — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:07:41 -0500

Well from personal experience, I think it really depends on the people around the person who know him. A lot of time they will not come forward unless a friend actually tells them that the NEED to see someone and not to take no for an answer, I know with my depression I didn't want to see anyone, I thought it would just go away with time or work itself out. But it never did, it was just ignored and something would always set it off. I didn't start to see anyone until a supervisor who I respected told me that he thinks I should go see someone and he would drive me their even if he had to drag me. Until he reached out I had no idea how much of a emotional and mental wreck I was. I will always be thankful.