While there is a lot of research about the mental health impact of deployment on military members, less is known about the impact on their family members. Challenging #DistortedPerceptions around the role of spouses left behind, NPR investigates how stigma has silenced the behavioral health needs of military wives.
One of the most common Distorted Perceptions about behavioral health in the military is that revealing your diagnosis will automatically hurt your chances of advancing professionally. The Real Warriors Campaign challenges this idea, stating that “the decision to seek psychological health care counseling can actually favorably affect your eligibility for a clearance.” Check out their article for the ins and outs of how this process works.
Staff Sgt. Josh Hopper talks about how dealing with PTSD and addiction “like a marine” means talking to your commanding officer and receiving the treatment you need. “Being active duty, you’re branded as the tough guy… it takes real strength to swallow your pride and say I need help and actually get it.”
“He said: ‘Mom and Dad, I want to tell you something.’ I thought he had cancer. But he said: ‘I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD.’ When I heard those words, my heart sank. I thought it meant forever. I thought it meant a lifetime. But he explained to us that he was getting treatment. And that it was going away. My husband is a retired police officer. After Chris left, he said to me: ‘I’m so proud of him for talking about this stuff. Because I never did.’”
