What help does the military offer for current soldiers with mental health issues?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:42:27 -0500

As a medic in the national guard, I've talked to several soldiers over the years with depression and or other mental health issues such as stress, etc. I've never been able to help much because I don't understand what the military offers for help. I've seen a soldier who went to his leadership with depression and was just forced out. Is this standard? Or is there actual help for soldiers? Is there training I can attend to help my soldiers with stress decompression or de-escalation?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 16 at 2022 9:51 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 21:51:32 -0500

They can see mental health at any time, they can call the crisis line at any time. They can get appts for mental councilors on a regular basis. They do not even have to run mental health issues thru anyone but their commander

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2022 9:52 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 21:52:58 -0500

Here is one resource:

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/health-wellness/mental-health/

Mental Health Support for the Military Community • Military OneSource

Mental health is as important for military and family readiness as physical fitness. Military OneSources provides free resources available to help.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2022 10:54 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 22:54:43 -0500

Here is what I do: I visit with/talk to a Psychologist that works with the Vet Center

https://www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2022 8:43 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 08:43:11 -0500

I don't know how it would work for Guard members that are not currently active. If some one were to go on "Sick-call" and mention it to the Dr(s) running the clinic, they could run a consultation through channels. Someone else mentioned informing the CO. It'll happen at some point but it doesn't have to happen first. The VA clinic I use has a Psychiatrist and Psychologist on staff. There are a plethora of 800 numbers one can call to initiate help situations. My older Sister was on staff at Brooks in San Antonio for a while.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2022 2:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 14:48:58 -0500

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/national-guard/psychological-health-program/about-the-psychological-health-program/

https://www.rand.org/blog/2021/09/supporting-the-mental-health-needs-of-national-guard.html

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2737954/department-of-defense-mental-health-resources-for-service-members-and-their-fam/

National Guard Psychological Health Program

Learn about our goals, our vision, and the leadership team that strives to extend mental health support to the National Guard community.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2022 8:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 20:14:01 -0500

Ask MSG Private RallyPoint Member ... he is very knowledgeable in Military related questions.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 18 at 2022 11:46 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 11:46:14 -0500

There are several sources out there.

military one source
mental health.gov
You also have local mental health and behavioral health clinics.

The military has also created programs like OSCAR (operational stress control, and readiness) to better help service members to recognize signs in themselves and others.

You can also utilize local vet centers that offer meetings.

There are also alot of non profit programs out there that offer medical, non medical and relegious based programs that help.

WWP warrior care network is a good source to find mental health programs designed to address specific trauma.

Response by TSgt Byron Williams made Apr 10 at 2022 6:12 AM

TSgt Byron Williams — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 06:12:49 -0400

It depends on how the depression manifests. If you commit a crime then say you were depressed. That won't work. If you come forward to mental health professionals, you should be safe.