“World-Class Care…Anytime, Anyplace” — the motto of Navy Medicine — encompasses much more than treating the wounded and sick. Navy Medicine “enables readiness, wellness, and healthcare to Sailors, Marines, their families and all others entrusted to us worldwide, be it on land or at sea.”
Extended deployments, less manpower and dwindling funds have thrust “readiness” to the forefront of leaders’ concerns. Readiness is the result of multiple factors — not the least of which is psychological health, said Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan, Navy Surgeon General.
On a recent visit to NCCOSC, the admiral explained how Navy Medicine is “leaning forward” in the area of psychological and emotional health to ensure readiness.
“We know that people bend, and we want to get to them before they break,” said Nathan, adding that unlike physical injuries, the cases of bending can be difficult to identify. “Raise your hand when you need help — it will be there,” he said. “We tell our Sailors ‘ship, shipmate and self’ — take care of others and take care of yourself.”
The surgeon general noted that identification of psychological health issues is still hindered by a lingering stigma associated with mental health. “People often falsely assume that any emotional disturbance or mental-health issue is a sign of weakness within themselves. In reality, it’s the opposite — it’s a sign of being human.
“It’s a sign of the body’s and mind’s response to everyday stresses, and these issues can happen to anyone, regardless of rank, training or experience.”
Nathan does see positive signs that stigma is slowly, but surely, receding.
“There are a lot of people raising their hand for help these days,” he said. “I’m so proud of some of our most successful Sailors, who have come out and asked for help. It sends a great message to everyone around them.”
Psychological health initiatives like Operational Stress Control awareness training and NCCOSC’s Psychological Health Pathways (PHP) signal the Navy’s determination to improve the psychological health and, thus, the readiness of the force.
“Every Sailor and Marine should know: You’re a part of an organization that wants to help,” said Nathan. “All you have to do is ask.”
Vice Admiral Matthew L. Nathan, Surgeon General of the Navy, Chief of the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
The Power Of Support