Breaking the Silence: Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health Support for Military Personnel

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight mental wellness and encourage open conversations—especially within communities where silence often prevails. Among military personnel and veterans, mental health challenges are real but often hidden due to lingering stigma.

The Invisible Wounds of Service

Service members are trained to endure hardship, persevere through trauma, and uphold strength. But behind the uniform, many carry invisible wounds—PTSD, depression, anxiety, and moral injury are common yet underreported.

According to the VA, around 11–20% of veterans from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD each year. Still, many hesitate to seek support due to fear of judgment or career repercussions.

Why Stigma Persists

Military culture often equates asking for help with weakness. Common concerns include:

• “If I speak up, my career could suffer.”

• “No one will understand.”

• “I’m supposed to be tough.”

These beliefs, while understandable, are outdated. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.

Changing the Narrative

Reducing stigma starts with honest conversations and strong leadership. When service members and veterans speak openly about their mental health, they create space for others to do the same.

Simple ways to support change:

• Share your story — lived experiences can inspire others to seek help.

• Choose your words — say “a veteran living with PTSD,” not “a PTSD vet.”

• Highlight confidentiality — let others know that getting care is private and often career-safe.

• Celebrate courage — frame support-seeking as brave, not weak.

Veteran-Focused Support Resources

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1

• VA Telehealth Services

• Wounded Warrior Project

• Cohen Veterans Network

• Give an Hour

Final Thoughts

It’s time we treat mental wellness as mission-critical. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s affirm:
You are not alone. You are not broken. Getting help is a mission worth pursuing.