The Military’s Internal War on Stigma
- Stig●ma – a mark of disgrace associated with a
particular circumstance, quality, or person. Mental health is overlooked in the military because it
can be viewed as a sign of weakness. There is a stigma around mental health for individuals in
the military. Fearing for their jobs, members enlisted in the military decide to keep quiet about
their mental health issues. What’s up with the secrecy? Many service members fear that seeking
professional help with a licensed psychologist will end up destroying their careers. Troops worry
quite often that their problems will somehow get back to their bosses, threaten their security
clearances, and can even result in separation from the service. Most active members cannot talk
about their mental health issues because they believe that they will be discharged before their
contract is finished. Can you imagine being let go from your job because you are struggling with
something you cannot control? Imagine how hard and exhausting it must be to keep everything
bottled up inside because you are living in fear that you will lose your job. Imagine already
battling this mental illness daily (that you cannot control) and then end up losing your job
because of it. That might drive any individual into a deeper depression; wouldn’t you agree? The
job that is protecting everyday people like you and me is the same job that is putting food on the
table for that troop’s family. Active troops need to be advised that it is okay to talk about what
they are struggling with mentally. Troops are trained to believe that depression is a sign of
weakness. But that is extremely inaccurate. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
How Can Civilians Help Military Troops and Veterans With Their Mental Illnesses?
When a military troop returns home from service with a mental illness, remember to love them
through it. They need to believe that someone is on their side. One way to make them feel
comfortable about opening up is reassuring them that they do not have to talk about it if they do
not want to, but whenever they are ready to talk about it, you’re there to listen. You never want to
pressure a troop or veteran into talking about something they aren’t ready to talk about. Another
way to make them feel comfortable is to be patient with them because healing does take time.
Lastly, make a note and keep in mind what their triggers may be. Common triggers can be
certain sounds, sights, or smells. If you are aware of what causes an upsetting reaction, you’ll be
in a better position to help a troop or veteran be at ease.
No Mind Left Behind 