Soldiers
Negative Barriers to Care
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Confidentiality: Confidentiality & Fear of Being Labeled. The single most pervasive concern of our USASOC warriors is that their BH information will not remain confidential and will result in stigmatization. More...
Negative Impact to Career: One prominent concern of our warriors is that they will be removed from their team if they seek BH assistance and consequently lose their support system. More...
Self Perceptions: Seeking BH treatment is perceived to contradict the cultural norm of self-reliance and may contribute to the stigma that those seeking BH treatment are perceived as “dependent.” More...
Accessibility of Quality BH Care: Most of the participants reported that they generally trust BH providers and believed that BH treatments can be effective. More...
Abuse of the BH sytem: There is a common belief that some of our Soldier’s are using mental problems as a get out of jail free card. More...
Command Climate: Senior Leaders (SL’s) can contribute directly or indirectly to BH stigma. Based on feedback from the tribes, this is certainly the exception, as USASOC leaders are reportedly providing a supportive environment for their Soldiers seeking BH care. More...
Seeking Treatment for Combat Related Stress
`There will be no retribution or blowback from seeking treatment
- Seeking early treatment has the potential to stop the downward spiral of bad decisions, which can arise from the stresses of military life.
- Waiting until after the event has occurred can have a negative impact not only on you but on your family and unit.
Seeking Behavioral Health treatment is the right thing to do
- It is a sign of strength and fortitude, not a sign of weakness.
- It is easier to fall back on what is comfortable to keep trying to do it yourself.
- It is more challenging to reach out to others for support.
- You get here because you sought challenges and growth
SOF Truth: "Humans are more important than hardware."
- Maintain your mental and spiritual fitness as you would your physical fitness.
- Just like an ankle sprain, taking care of it early when it's small, will prevent severe problems at work and home down the road.