How Important Is Mental Health?
The Army has bent over backwards the past few years to ensure that our returning troops get the care and help they need. In an era when our military has been at war for over seven years straight, the longest in our history, it’s important that these warriors are taken care of.
When I returned from Iraq in 2003, we didn’t have all the programs that are out there now to assist the troops with their transition from combat to garrison life. Ironically, OIF1 vets saw more sustained combat than anyone since but probably got the least attention when they returned.
The Army has taken very public and demanding positions about the mental health state of our troops. Vice Chief of the Army Gen. Peter Chiarelli even did a military post tour to personally ensure that leaders and troops understand that we are taking this issue seriously. In just the past year, we’re been required to undergo extensive death by powerpoint briefings and boring lectures about suicide, depression, mTBI, and PTSD just to name a few. It’s relentless and covers ever base imaginable. And while I don’t even vaguely presume to question Gen. Chiarelli’s intentions – because I know they’re pure and honest – I can’t help but wonder if mental health really is that important to the Army. I have interviewed Gen. Chiarelli enough times to know that his efforts are out of genuine care for our troops.
New programs directly target our leaders to provide the training needed to recognize in our troops and ourselves that there is a problem. While boring, the training is much needed and serves to at least provide troops with the proper mindset. I’d rather be bored and informed that entertained and none-the-better for it!
The Army created a website not long ago (one of many) to help Soldiers seek help for mental issues. The site, Army Behavioral Health, provides link to various resources Soldiers can go to for assistance. But, it came as a shock to me when I clicked on the “Mental Health Counseling and Security Clearances” link for some information to research. “Sorry, that file was not found” greeted me promptlly. As it did when I clicked on the “PTSD/MTBI Program for Families” and “Suicide Prevention Commander’s Toolkit” links, among others. As someone with a security clearance, I’m particularly interested in what the Army is putting out about this above the press briefings. I was disappointed to see the links didn’t work.
The Army has created another great site called “Battlemind” that is geared towards providing “Armor For Your Mind.” As part of the Battlemind mentality, they released a video called “Pulling the Stigma Down” to encourage Soldiers to seek help without fear of stigma or professional stagnation. I uploaded the video to my Great Americans account, but I’m having issues uploading videos for some reason, so in the meantime it’s hosted on YouTube.
General Chiarelli has assured Soldiers that they have nothing to fear in seeking help. However, many troops still fear the stigma and worry about their careers. Ladies and gentlemen and fellow Soldiers, I’ve finally – after six years – decided to lead by example. I will either ease your fears and provide with proof that you have nothing to fear or I will go down doing what I think is best for me and my family by seeking the help I’ve pretended I don’t need for so long. I just can’t afford to way much longer.
CWO George Samek US Army Retired
May 30th, 2009 at 3:05 pmAfter my two tours of duty in Vietnam I have seen the effects of PTSD upon my generation, There has been little done within America for those who suffer the horrors of war except group them into a class of citizen who is not accaptable within there society.
The resent outrage of the head of Home land Security which lumped all Vets, into a group classified as a “Threat To Home Land Security” did little to help the problems faced by those who fight todays wars.
The request by President Obama for Wounded Warriors to pay for there rehabilition sends a very strong message to the military that there wounds are of little importance to America.
Eather this nation must reach out to those who have suffered physical and mental wound now or be prepared to relive the sad history of the treatment received by vets from Vietman and other American wars.
PTDS is a combat wound, it must be treated with the same level of care received for a physical injury received in combat.
Fearless
May 30th, 2009 at 3:15 pmCJ, I want to again thank you and all other members who have given so much defending our country. Please seek the help you need as it is in your best interest and the welfare of your family depends on it. If the Army holds to their word you will be much better and also your family. If they do not hold to their word do not worry for THE LORD OUR GOD made great plans for you when HE laid the worlds foundation.
May HIS blessings be with you, your family and each service member.
Terri
May 30th, 2009 at 4:07 pmGreat way to lead by example CJ. Hopefully your Soldiers who may be experiencing difficulty reintegrating back into home will follow your example. I know here, that I see a lot of the stressors coming back from combat, bleed over into my job. Having seen some of the things that occur as a result of some of those who chose not to seek help for whatever reason, I can’t stress enough the importance of asking for help. One of the first things we suggest to command is to get the Soldier to the R & R Center. We are also very lucky to have a great program that is free to Troops and their families who have deployed, that is operated by Scott & White. Another resource that’s available online is the Combat Stress Center website, http://www.combatstresscenter.com . It has a lot of resources for those who are currently deployed and their family members.
Kat in GA
May 30th, 2009 at 4:18 pm(hugs) We’re proud of you, CJ! You rock!
Donna
May 30th, 2009 at 10:28 pmCJ,
Please seek help I’m sure that no one will blame you for getting the help that you need! God Bless You and all of our troops for the things that you are going through and have gone through in the past! You guys and gals are the best and “Thank You” always for your service to our country!! Prayers to you and to all affected by these wars!!
Katie Dyer
June 1st, 2009 at 12:37 pmCJ, Thank you for putting this out there. Truly heroic. Congratulations on getting help, and even more so on using your story to help others.
Take Care.