What do you feel helped shape your opinion/beliefs on those seeking help for mental health issues while serving in the U.S Military?

I have more empathy and compassion for mental conditions.

I have seen both military and family members suffer because they fear going to mental health. I escorted people there and I did my best to assure them that there would not be any negative reprocussions as a result and if there was any chance of that we would discuss that before any action was taken. I have also sent really resisitant troops to the chaplain for counseling.

I really hate to be a negative person, but facts are facts. SECURITY CLEARANCE. Without it, your career in the military (or the Government) is over. Security Clearance is the first thing you lose when you seek help for mental health. It's a nasty little secret. While the military might talk nice and tell everyone that there are no negative consequences for seeking help, that security clearance, especially when its a TS or higher, is ALWAYS at risk when you are considered mentally vulnerable. There is no kind of guarantee or safety net for keeping your clearance. You might get all kinds of promises from leadership about no impacts on your job, but seeking help absolutely can lead to losing your clearance. I've personally witnessed it multiple times.