Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:
What is the Real Warriors Campaign?
A:
The Real Warriors Campaign encourages members of the military community to seek help for psychological health concerns by promoting a culture of support and emphasizing that mental health care IS health care. Initially founded in May 2009, the campaign was revitalized in 2023 through collaboration between the Defense Department’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) and the Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO). The campaign remains active in the Department of Defense’s mission to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, amplify suicide prevention efforts, and support military community psychological health and readiness. The campaign prioritizes early help seeking in the military community, encourages access to mental health care destigmatizes mental health, and increasing knowledge and understanding of mental health information.
Mental health concerns and needs present in a variety of ways from coping with the daily stresses of military life to challenges such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Regardless of the concern, the Real Warriors Campaign links service members, veterans and their families with mental health knowledge and provides free, confidential resources including online articles, print materials, videos, and podcasts. If you or someone you know is coping with any concerns know that reaching out is a sign of strength. Remember, mental health IS health.
Q2:
What does it mean to be a Real Warrior?
A:
Real Warriors prioritize psychological fitness as much as physical fitness. Real Warriors know that the stressors of military life can impact one’s mental health.. Real Warriors know reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
Q4:
What does “Defend Your Mental Health” mean?
A:
Defending your mental health means making your mental health a priority. It means reducing stressors you can control, and increasing the use of supports, including mental health services. Mental health care is health care. No matter what you are facing, you don’t have to go at it alone. It’s ok to ask for help.
Q5:
How can I get involved with the Real Warriors Campaign
A:
Here are several ways to get involved:
- Link to the campaign on your website or blog.
- Download free materials to distribute at events or display at your facility.
- Use video profiles in trainings, briefings and presentations to service members, veterans, and families.
- Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
- Share and retweet campaign posts on your social media channels.
- Embed or run a video profile, video short or PSA on your website, closed circuit television or TV station.
- Include a print feature article or website article in your newspaper or publication.
- Become a campaign advocate and help reduce stigma and spread the message that reaching out is a sign of strength.
Q6:
What topics does the Real Warriors Campaign cover?
A:
The Real Warriors Campaign website includes articles on health topics like sleep, stress and anxiety, suicide prevention, and transitions written for active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserve, veterans, and military families. The articles provide a range of practical tips and resources for supporting early intervention for treatment of psychological health concerns in all stages of military life including separations and reintegration.
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After losing Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, Retired 1st Sgt. Sandoval began drinking heavily, lost interest in maintaining his health and fitness, and pulled away from family and friends. Eventually, by opening up and sharing his experiences, he began to turn his life back around.
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For 10 years, Retired Gunnery Sgt. Mathew Barr struggled with flashbacks of an IED explosion and survivor guilt from combat. After he reached out for support, counselors, chaplains and health care providers like LCDR Hanrahan helped set him on a path to success.
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After surviving a suicide attempt, Retired Sgt. 1st Class David Parish was determined to let his fellow warriors know about the importance of striving for progress, not perfection and reaching out for support from the Military Health System.
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Wounded by an IED blast in Iraq, Retired Maj. Ed Pulido returned home facing tremendous physical and psychological challenges, including thoughts of suicide. What turned things around for him was reaching out for and accepting support from others, and focusing on helping service members and families in similar circumstances.
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After hitting rock bottom, Technical Sgt. Joshua Williamson decided to reach out for help for alcohol misuse. With support from his family, friends and healthcare providers, Technical Sgt. Joshua Williamson completed his second round of ADAPT, and is now sharing messages of strength with his military brothers and sisters.
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As a senior noncommissioned officer, retired Command Sergeant Major Greca did not recognize the subtle signs and symptoms of his physical and invisible wounds. Hear how CSM Greca realized that it takes strength to recognize the warning signs, and to seek support from military health resources.
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While commanding the Army's civil affairs forces in Iraq, then-Brig. Gen. Blackledge was wounded twice. Even after healing physically, he continued to experience psychological wounds that eventually led him to seek help for PTSD and share his story.
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While on patrol in Iraq, a single sniper’s bullet severely wounded Capt. Mantz and killed his comrade. Although a devastating event, Mantz experienced no long-term psychological trauma from it thanks to preventive mental health care he received while hospitalized for his physical injuries.
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Seeking care early = a healthier life. Learn how you can get connected with a health care provider.
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