Breaking the Stigma: Why Military Mental Health Should be a Priority
The military is known for its challenging and demanding work, often requiring soldiers to put their lives on the line for their country. However, it’s not just the physical risks that service members face. Mental health is an issue that affects all branches of the military, and it’s time to break the stigma and prioritize the well-being of our military personnel.
Introduction
Military mental health is a topic that hasn’t received enough attention until recently. While it’s common knowledge that those who serve often face extreme stressors – from traumatic events and long periods of isolation to the fear of losing their lives – mental health concerns have often been seen as a sign of weakness, leading to shame and silence among military personnel.
Body
In reality, mental health concerns in the military are pervasive and have a significant impact on service members’ lives. Consider the following statistics:
– According to a 2014 study published in JAMA Psychiatry, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects almost 15% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
– The rate of suicide among active duty service members has increased steadily over the past decade, with 2019 seeing a 25% increase since 2018 according to Military.com.
– The RAND Corporation estimates that approximately 20% of veterans who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from either PTSD or major depression.
Unfortunately, these are just a few examples of the mental health issues that military personnel face.
It’s not just combat stress that causes mental health problems, either. Military life can be psychologically challenging in many ways. Frequent relocations are common, which can lead to social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Long working hours and intense workloads are also common. Add to that the fear of being suddenly deployed at any moment, and it’s no wonder that so many military personnel struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
So, why is it vital to prioritize military mental health? The impact of untreated mental health concerns on service members can be widespread. If left unaddressed, mental health concerns can lead to:
– A decrease in job performance and effectiveness
– Strained relationships with friends and family
– Addiction to drugs or alcohol
– Legal issues
At its worst, untreated mental health issues can even result in suicide. That’s why it’s vital to take mental health concerns in the military seriously and provide adequate resources and support for those who need it.
Unfortunately, many service members don’t seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health concerns in the military. In some cases, seeking mental health treatment can even result in the loss of job clearances or put one’s job at risk. This attitude needs to change. By breaking the stigma, we can create an environment where service members feel comfortable seeking help if they need it.
Conclusion
The prioritization of military mental health isn’t just a social responsibility; it’s also good for national security. When we ensure that military personnel have access to proper mental health resources and support, we’re not only taking care of our troops; we’re also ensuring that these brave men and women are prepared to return to civilian life and continue to be productive and engaged members of their communities.
It’s time to break the stigma of mental health issues in the military. By acknowledging the prevalence and impact of mental health concerns among service members, we can create a culture that values mental health and provides the necessary resources and support to those who need it. After all, our military personnel have sacrificed so much for our country; it’s time we step up and take care of them.
