Suicide prevention is a top priority for the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The entire defense family is focused on caring for our service members, veterans and family members in need. One of the primary goals in achieving and promoting care is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
In June, Military Health System leaders gathered on Capitol Hill to speak out against the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance.
“Leaders have the responsibility to encourage anyone who needs help, should they have the courage to seek it,” said Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, Army surgeon general. “Soldiers and families must come to realize that these issues resulting from deployment are treatable and curable with proper care.”
Horoho also stressed that it is not just the service member that needs help, pointing out that entire families are affected by the stressors of war.
One of the resources aimed at promoting awareness and help for those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts or other “invisible wounds” is the Real Warriors Campaign. The goal of the multimedia public awareness campaign is to encourage help-seeking behavior among service members, veterans and military families. Launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) in 2009, the campaign includes print materials, media outreach, an interactive website, mobile website and social media.
U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr. George Durgin, DCoE's resilience division chief, describes Real Warriors as a place where service members and their families, as well as veterans and health care providers can come to seek assistance, information and a variety of resources.
“We’re trying to promote help-seeking behavior,” Durgin said, “It’s OK to ask for help.”
A compelling facet of the Real Warriors campaign is the library of video profiles where service members and their families share their experiences with seeking help for and overcoming mental health challenges. Durgin emphasizes the power of testimonials when it comes to reducing the stigma associated with mental health and hopes that as the program continues more people will share their experiences.
“If you’ve had issues, sought help and built your resilience, we want to hear your story,” Durgin said.
In addition to Real Warriors, military leaders are beginning to tell their stories in hopes that it will raise awareness and promote help-seeking behavior. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler recounted his experiences with PTSD at the June PSTD awareness event.
“I really had to take a deep look at myself and where I was headed, which was on a steep downward spiral,” he said, “I realized I needed to get some help, so I did. Today, I’m a better man, I’m a better father, I’m a better husband and last but not least, I am a better soldier.”
Service members who are suffering from PTSD or suicidal thoughts are encouraged to seek assistance, either through a health care professional, or by calling the Military Crisis Line at 1-888-273-8255.
Read more about suicide prevention awareness.