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My wife is new to the Army she's only been in about 7 months. While she was in AIT her mother passed away and she has been having a really tough time dealing with it. Now that she is out of training and in the regular Army we both think that she needs to see a therapist but she's been told by multiple people in her unit that she shouldn't. They've said that it will be viewed as a negative and especially so because of how new she is. She was told that it would be part of her file and potentially prevent her from moving up. We want to know if this is true and if so what options she has. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Therapy
Promotions
Military Career
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 20
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Just wanted to thank everyone that took the time out to reply. I appreciate the support and it provided the push we needed to disregard whatever negative comments we've heard and move forward with getting help. Thank you all so much.
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An honest assessment must be made. Does she need help? Sometimes getting help is more important than serving in the military.
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Personally I have used counseling in the past. It never effected my career it was encouraged that I went to counseling due to the army’s stand down on suicide now.
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Chaplain or social worker/psychologist both are good options. Getting therapy after a traumatic life event wouldn't have an impact on a career or prevent someone from deploying/attending schools,etc. Before starting therapy the behavioral health person will let them know what things they are mandated to report to command. Chaplains, however, are required to be 100% confidential.
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Having her go see a mental/behavioral health specialist or even a chaplain is important for her as her need to be of a sound and peaceful mind is far more important than the supposed stigma. If her leadership gives her issues is IMHO weak and toxic, unworthy to command soldiers. The stigma is severely reduced and will most likely shrink away as time progresses. Ultimately, she must make the best decision for herself which sounds like seeing a professional.
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The chaplain is one source, but she should go to her primary care physician and get a referral to mental/behavioral health. For certain jobs, there was a stigma, in the past. For grief counseling, I don't think the same stigma applies. Good luck.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Wife to not seek help, in any personal or professional aspect is doing them a disservice. Without going on a long rant, I suggest that your wife seeks help. In the long run it will make her a better soldier and a better person. An all around win for everyone.
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J D
1: Life is supposed to be long and full of events, the Army is not for ever...plan and act for life..Do that well and the Army will take care of itself for as long as she chooses to stay.
2: If therapy reviled her incompatibility with service, then yes it will effect her retention.
3: If the therapist decides the best course of treatment is medication, working no more then 2 hours per day, no more then 15min at a time then yes it will effect her retention.
4: If she sees a therapist for 30 min a week for 6 months, is able to perform normal duties everyday, and after some time working though the grief process she becomes comfortable in dealing with it on her own as time passes......I can not see that as an impediment to a long career in the current environment.
1: Life is supposed to be long and full of events, the Army is not for ever...plan and act for life..Do that well and the Army will take care of itself for as long as she chooses to stay.
2: If therapy reviled her incompatibility with service, then yes it will effect her retention.
3: If the therapist decides the best course of treatment is medication, working no more then 2 hours per day, no more then 15min at a time then yes it will effect her retention.
4: If she sees a therapist for 30 min a week for 6 months, is able to perform normal duties everyday, and after some time working though the grief process she becomes comfortable in dealing with it on her own as time passes......I can not see that as an impediment to a long career in the current environment.
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