Despite the large numbers of people affected by mental health issues, many don’t seek the care they deserve, including many members of the military.
Nearly 1 in 4 adults in the United States is living with a mental health condition. Despite the large numbers of people affected by mental health issues, many don’t seek the care they deserve, including many members of the military.
There are several reasons Service members may hesitate to seek treatment. Some may worry about how it will affect their career. Others may think it makes them appear weak or unfit for duty. Some may avoid talking about mental health completely, even with loved ones like you.
However, research shows that delaying treatment often produces worse outcomes, which makes seeking mental health treatment an important part of a person’s overall health and wellness.
Learn more about why Service members may hesitate to seek treatment, tips for how to encourage them to do so, and what resources are available to support you and your family.
Common Reasons Service Members May Avoid Mental Health Treatment
According to Health.mil, 60%-70% of Service members with mental health symptoms don’t seek treatment. The more you know about some of the reasons why, the better equipped you’ll be to help your Service member get support.
Several barriers to care have been researched and outlined, including:
- Self-stigma – Service members may believe people suffering from mental health symptoms are unreliable, incompetent, or weak. Many Service members believe they should be able to “tough out” whatever they’re going through.
- Public stigma – Service members may be concerned that mental health issues will be viewed unfavorably by others, including other members of their unit, leadership, and more.
- Awareness of services – Service members may be unaware of the services in place to support them, or of how many options for treatment are available, including tele-mental health care, confidential counseling, and more.
- Confidentiality concerns – Service members may be concerned that if they seek treatment, it will be shared with other members of their unit, leadership, or future employers.
- Lack of confidence in treatment – Service members may not believe that “sitting on a couch” or “talking about their problems” is going to help them get better.
- Perceived effect on career or advancement – Service members may believe that seeking treatment will negatively affect their career, including not being able to advance or remain eligible for security clearance.
The Benefits of Seeking Treatment
Many of the reasons Service members don’t seek treatment are misconceptions. As a family member, you can dispel these misconceptions and help your loved one understand the benefits of seeking mental health care.
- Treatment works. Research shows treatment for mental illness works. Mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, can be successfully managed.
- Treatment is confidential. Information related to mental health care, treatment, and diagnoses is confidential, except when there is a risk of harm to self or others, or reports of child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
- Treatment does not reduce your chances for promotion. Seeking and receiving treatment for mental health concerns doesn’t reduce a Service member’s chances of getting promoted.
- Treatment does not affect your security clearance. It’s extremely rare to have a security clearance denied or revoked solely on the basis of reporting mental health conditions or treatment.
Tips to Support Your Loved One
Seeing a loved one struggle with mental health symptoms is difficult, especially if your loved one is resistant to seeking help. Here are some tips on how to have conversations about getting help.
- Learn more about mental health conditions. If you’re seeing concerning symptoms in your Service member, such as nightmares, intense anger, sadness, or anxiety, do some additional research to learn more about the most common mental health conditions affecting Service members.
- Normalize conversations about mental health. Your Service member may worry about opening up out of fear of being judged or appearing “weak.” The more compassionate you are on topics related to mental health, the easier it will be for your Service member to share.
- Be a good listener. Good listening requires your full attention. It requires listening with care and concern and without judgment or interruption.
- Remind them that help is available. Mental health conditions are treatable, just like physical ones. Remind your loved one that treatment isn’t one size fits all. You can try telemedicine from your own home, use mobile apps to help manage your symptoms, or try a peer support group.
- Offer your support. If your loved one perceives barriers to getting treatment, see what you can do to help. For example, show them the research on how getting treatment rarely affects your career. Offer to schedule or drive to appointments.
- Seek help. Sometimes the support you offer isn’t enough. If a loved one is having thoughts of suicide, don’t wait to get help. Dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Military Crisis Line. You can call, text, or chat with a trained counselor 24/7 for free.
Resources
TRICARE covers a variety of mental health services, including mental health therapy, testing, outpatient counseling, inpatient hospital services, residential treatment centers, and more.
Military OneSource confidential counseling is available in person, over the phone, or via secure video or online chat. Services are not reported and will not affect a Service member’s career or security clearance, with the exception of reporting requirements for illegal activities or dangerous situations.
Mobile apps can help you improve your mental health, including apps for deep breathing, anger management, chill drills, and more.
Military chaplains are not licensed clinical counselors typically, but consulting with the installation chaplain is strictly confidential, and they are prepared to help Service members with many life challenges, such as combat stress, marriage concerns, substance abuse, and more. Use MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to find contact information.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Homefront Mental Health Resources is a free online suite of resources available 24/7. You’ll find information about mental health conditions, evidence-based treatments, resources, and more.
The Department of Defense’s Real Warriors Campaign aims to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health treatment by encouraging Service members, Veterans, and their families to seek mental health support.
With your support and access to the best resources, Service members can ensure they’re healthy in body and mind for whatever comes next.