Research suggests that approximately 60-70% of military personnel who experience mental health problems do not seek mental health services. However, studies also suggest that treatment works, and recovery is possible.
Members of the military typically understand the importance of their physical health. They may realize that the success of their mission often depends on a healthy, strong body. But in today’s armed forces, mental health is just as essential to mission success as physical health.
While Service members and Veterans are encouraged to seek mental health care treatment, data shows that many do not seek out treatment. Maybe it’s because you’re worried about the effect it may have on your career, or maybe you believe that you should be able to tough out whatever struggles you’re facing. Maybe you find it too difficult to travel to an appointment, or you don’t feel ready to share with others.
While these roadblocks to treatment are valid and real, you owe it to yourself to feel your best. Let’s break down some of these barriers, so you can feel confident about getting the treatment and care you deserve.
Background
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, the top mental health concerns facing Veterans and Service members include conditions such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, avoidance of reminders, and hypervigilance)
- Depression (symptoms may include a depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, insomnia, weight loss or gain, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide)
- Traumatic brain injury (symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, memory problems, and mood changes)
These conditions, along with others such as anxiety, military sexual trauma, substance use, and more, are described on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health page.
Removing the Roadblocks
Research suggests that
approximately 60-70 % of military personnel who experience mental health problems do not seek mental health services, but studies also show that treatment works, and recovery is possible. Let’s examine some common barriers or roadblocks to care and break them down one by one.
“Treatment is inconvenient, too far away, or too expensive to get to.”
You don’t have to travel to receive treatment for your mental health concerns. Both VA and TRICARE offer telemental health care options, where you can schedule and receive mental health services through video calls, phone appointments, or other technology without leaving home. This avoids lengthy travel times and any travel expenses. Learn more about TRICARE’s virtual health services and VA’s telehealth care options.
“Therapy is not for me.”
Therapy can take many forms, and treatments can be tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences. If you don’t feel comfortable with the first or second resource you try, keep exploring your options. There are a variety of treatments that can help, such as individual therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or prolonged exposure therapy, group therapies and support groups, peer mentors, medications, self-help tools, and more.
For example, you may find Military OneSource confidential counseling is a good fit for you. It’s confidential, free, short-term counseling that can help you manage stress, address relationship conflicts, and more. Others may want to try something like SoldierStrong’s BraveMind, a virtual reality therapy program that uses cutting-edge technology to help Veterans with PTSD. You could try group therapy or connect with a peer support specialist, so you can talk with others who may share similar experiences. There are also self-help tools to help you learn deep breathing techniques, anger management strategies, and ways to deal with insomnia.
“Seeking treatment might affect my career.”
Research suggests that seeking help early is less likely to harm your career than waiting. Department of War acknowledges that untreated mental health conditions pose a greater safety threat than mental health conditions for which you’re seeking treatment. Talking to a provider about your concerns, asking if you need a diagnosis, or seeking treatment does not affect your career, and mental health providers follow privacy guidelines set down by HIPAA and the Privacy Act.
However, untreated mental illness has the potential to damage your career. If the symptoms are severe, your commanding officer may require duty limitations or recommend separation from the military. If commanders or supervisors observe behaviors that appear to compromise safety or job performance, they can request a command-directed behavioral health evaluation, which doesn’t guarantee as much confidentiality as a medical consultation you seek yourself.
“Seeking treatment might affect my security clearance.”
It is extremely rare to have a security clearance denied or revoked solely on the basis of reporting mental health conditions or treatment. In fact, proactively managing your mental health conditions is encouraged, and seeking care for personal wellness may contribute favorably to decisions about eligibility.
“I should be able to handle my struggles on my own.”
The military culture you
know so well emphasizes strength and self-reliance, but seeking support for a mental health concern does not mean you don’t embody those values. Mental health is health, and it’s important to feel your best. Campaigns like Real Warriors and sites like Make the Connection are full of the stories and experiences of military members and Veterans just like you who confronted their struggles and had the courage to get healthy. Spend some time listening to their stories to help you understand that no one has to go through this alone.
“I’m worried about what other people will think.”
Counseling services through Military OneSource and the Military and Family Life Counseling Program are confidential. This means you can receive counseling without it being reported to command, your family or friends, or to any other agencies. Be aware that there are three situations that legally require counselors to break confidentiality: When there’s abuse, illegal activity, or a threat of harm.
In addition, military members have access to confidential support from unit chaplains. Chaplains are not typically licensed clinical counselors; however, they adhere to absolute confidentiality and are prepared to help people with many life challenges, including combat stress, substance abuse, marriage, and more.
Veterans can also get connected with confidential mental health care through VA – no matter your discharge status, service history, or eligibility for VA health care.
“I don’t know where to start.”
It can be overwhelming when you’re trying to manage symptoms of a mental health condition. You may be embarrassed, scared, or just have no idea what steps to take or where to start. Explore the resources below to access the care you deserve.
- The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by dialing 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or need immediate assistance, reach out.
- TRICARE covers a wide range of mental health services and can help you address conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more.
- Military OneSource has a wide range of information and resources to address mental health-related concerns, including health and wellness coaching, counseling, peer support services, and more.
- VA has information, resources, and evidence-based treatments for all your mental health concerns.
If you’re letting something stand in your way of effective mental health treatment, it’s time to push past it and get the care you deserve to feel your best.