What is your perspective or perception of seeking behavioral health services in the military?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:03:18 -0500

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 18 at 2015 12:04 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:04:22 -0500

As a health care professional, I don't see that there is an issue with it. However, I am very well aware of the negative perception that exists outside of the medical fields.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Dec 18 at 2015 12:10 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:10:33 -0500

No idea what it's like today, but up until I retired in 94, the mentality was suck it up and drive on, seeking help was seen as a weakness that affected your career.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Dec 18 at 2015 12:35 PM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:35:32 -0500

I am all in. However, the stigma has and still exists that it is not conducive for one's career to go to behavioral health. Myself and all my MRTs show that it is ok to seek help SMA(R) Chandler's PSA is a great tool to show an example of it not affecting one's career.

https://youtu.be/BR_R947Tf8A?list=PLC95CC908086450C8

Real Warriors - Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler

http://www.realwarriors.net - Service members of any rank or service may experience combat stress or other invisible wounds as a result of deployment. By rea...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 12:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:43:15 -0500

My perspective is this: If you need to go and see behavioral health, then go. I'd rather have people go and get the help needed rather than not go and become (possibly) unstable. I'm not going to kick people out or belittle them for seeking help. If I ever do, then that is the day I turn in my stripes.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Dec 18 at 2015 7:40 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 19:40:54 -0500

Seeking assistance in the realm of mental health has historically carried negative connotations. But, I do believe that perceptions are changing --for the better.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2015 3:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 15:28:20 -0500

The Army can talk all they want about how there is no stigma for seeking help.
BULL.
Until they can figure out how to stamp out this mentality in the ranks of their commanders, the stigmatizing and ostracizing of personnel who seek help will persist.

Response by Barbara Maxwell made Jul 29 at 2017 5:14 AM

Barbara Maxwell — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 05:14:28 -0400

It should not be any different than other appoitments at the clinic. No stigma.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 29 at 2017 6:33 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 18:33:15 -0400

If you need it, use it. That is what it is there for. You owe it to,your family, unit and yourself to do so. Saying you need it is ok. Don't know? Walk in, have a sit down and see if you need it.