Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

Navy Spouse Seeks Mental Health Care through the MHS

Image of Military personnel in front of a helicopter. As a public affairs officer for the 402nd, I've had the opportunity to travel across the Indo-Pacific region documenting the 402nd's support of U.S. Army Pacific. The job is nothing short of wonderful, but it’s the Soldiers and civilians I work with that have made juggling a full-time job, extended separation from my husband, and my mental health needs manageable (Courtesy Photo).

I've spent the last ten years of my life living with a mental illness, but my first experience with a mental health crisis sits in my mind so clearly it feels like it could have happened yesterday.

I had just started my second year of college, I didn't get into a class I so badly wanted to take, and I broke down. I called my mom, but there wasn't much she could do. Neither of us understood the reaction I was having to a seemingly minor hiccup. Her intuition must've clicked in when she said, "Go to the health center and tell them you need to speak to a counselor. I am not hanging up this phone until you are with a counselor."

Looking back, that singular moment probably saved my life. And thus began my navigation in the world of mental health.

A stigma around mental health still very much exists in the world. At first I was embarrassed that I saw a therapist. I didn't want to be medicated the rest of my life. I just wanted to be "normal," whatever that is.

It took a few years and some wise advice from my sister before I stopped feeling ashamed and embraced the steps I needed to take in order to take care of myself. "If someone had a heart condition and needed medication, they would take it every day, how is this any different?"

I promised myself I would never switch my health insurance to TRICARE. By the time I married my husband, an active duty Sailor, I finally had the perfect therapist and the right combination of medication.

My depression and anxiety was manageable and I didn't want to mess with a good thing. After all, like many other new spouses, I had heard horror stories of how the military cared for behavioral health. I worried I wouldn't have access to a therapist of my choosing or medication I knew already worked for me, and would constantly hit walls when I needed care.

Fast forward four years, and switching my care to the military has been one of the best decisions for my mental health.

Military personnel posing for a picture with his family
As a new Navy spouse (center right at my husband's re-enlistment ceremony), I was very hesitant to seek care for my mental health from the Military Health System. Much to my surprise, being part of the military community really has done wonders to my mental health. The care I receive from my local military clinic is better than I ever expected it to be (Courtesy Photo).

Being part of the military community really has done wonders to my mental health. The care I receive from my local military clinic is better than I ever expected it to be. My primary care manager, therapist and psychiatrist all have access to my file with each other's notes, taking the stress out of getting care because I no longer have to constantly rehash my life story with every visit. I honestly feel like I'm receiving care as a whole person as opposed to doctors addressing one issue at a time without looking at the full picture.

This year's theme for Suicide Prevention Month, "Connect to Protect," resonates with me because it is the connections I have with the people around me that keep me going through my hardest days. It's taken a while, but I've learned it's not only okay to reach out when my symptoms increase, it's necessary in order to take care of myself. Being open and honest with myself and those around me about how I'm truly feeling makes the tough days a little more manageable.

While the traditional health care aspect of the military community continues to exceed expectations, it's the people I've met along the way who have helped me the most. Some of my best friends are military spouses. They don't judge me when I need a little extra love or assurance when I'm having a depressive episode. They check in on me when my husband is deployed or gone for training. Most importantly, they understand the unique situations that come with being in a military family.

Really, the same can be said about the people I work with. I've been a Department of the Army Civilian for a year now. I love my job, plain and simple, but it's the soldiers and civilians I work with that have made juggling a full-time job, extended separation from my husband, and my mental health needs manageable.

Some people will never understand what it feels like to have such a disconnect between your logic and your emotions. But keeping those feelings close to you only makes them worse. It's been a long road but I've learned needing mental health care is nothing to be ashamed about.

It's not a secret to those around me that I see a therapist on a regular basis. I proudly take my medicine and share my experiences about it. I mean, can you really be best friends with someone if you haven't compared notes about what anxiety medicine works best for you?

It may sound like a talking point when the military says people are their number one priority, but it's been more than a box to check in my life.

Check in on the people you care about. Don't wait until someone is struggling. Let the people you love know they're on your mind. Not everyone is going to ask for help when they need it, and not everyone may know they need help. And if you are struggling with anything, no matter how trivial you think it is, don't let the fear of the stigma hold you back from accessing the resources you need.

Whether it be your spouse, best friend, battle buddy or even your commander, the people around you care.

You also may be interested in...

New Mental Health Care Initiative Improves Access to Care and Readiness

Article Around MHS
5/22/2023
A room plaque for the 341st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron mental health flight is pictured inside the base clinic June 23, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The mental health flight offers mental health services to active duty members and manages the Family Advocacy and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heather Heiney)

For more than a year, the Air Force Medical Service has been rolling out Mental Health Targeted Care, an initiative that helps Airmen and Guardians understand all of the available options for support and connects them to the right resource either in a mental health clinic or outside the military hospital with another supporting agency that best meets their need.

Aerospace Medicine Branch Enhances Airmen Psychological Performance

Article Around MHS
4/14/2023
From left: Aeromedical and Operational Clinical Psychology, or AOCP, branch members Dr. Ivan Colin-Rivera, Lt. Col. Kristen Galloway, Dr. Rachael Martinez, Tech. Sgt. Christopher Thompson and Somtirtha Bag at a team event in the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, at High Bay at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.  (Photo by Jeremy Ward, U.S. Air Force)

The office of Aeromedical Operational and Clinical Psychology, or AOCP, offers aerospace and operational clinical consultation for units throughout the U.S. Air Force and has done so for over a decade.

Austin Presses Ahead with Recommendations from Suicide Prevention Committee

Article Around MHS
3/27/2023
Suicide Prevention_NATMHS

Months of research and planning ways to prevent suicide in the military comes to fruition. Find out about phase one of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee's recommendations to promote the wellness, health, and morale of military personnel.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Continues Expanding Mental Health Options in Pilot Program’s Second Year

Article Around MHS
2/10/2023
Naval Branch Health Clinic Bahrain sign at Naval Support Activity Bahrain

A two-year pilot program expanding mental health treatment options for military and family members hit its halfway mark. Find out how it's been successful so far, and what's next in advancing services to warfighters and their families experiencing acute mental health problems.

Mixed Messages Can Fuel Stigma, Prevent Soldiers from Accessing Behavioral Health Care

Article Around MHS
12/16/2022
Army Public Health infographic

Emphasis on physical readiness and injury rehabilitation is paramount in the military. But what about warfighters' mental health care? See how Soldiers and leaders are reducing obstacles - especially negative stigmas - that prevent others from seeking help.

Service Dog Helps a Colonel Fight the Battles Back Home

Article Around MHS
12/16/2022
U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Roberts with his service dog, Porche

A soldier's 23-year struggle with mental resiliency, the horror of combat, and personal challenges prompt him (with the help of a lovable labradoodle) to advocate for better awareness and treatment of mental health.

Destigmatizing Mental Health Counseling and Treatment in Relation to National Security Clearances

Article Around MHS
10/13/2022
Mental health infographic

A new specialty adjudicative branch of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Consolidated Adjudications Service focusing in behavioral science is expediting security clearance adjudications, as the agency continues its campaign to destigmatize mental health counseling and treatment in relation to the adjudication of national security clearances.

Dedicated Mental Health Facility Opens for Naval Surface Force in San Diego

Article Around MHS
10/12/2022
Military medical personnel at ceremony

The Embedded Mental Health building is the new mental health facility for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) operational Sailors, with an overarching goal to give active-duty personnel fast and quality access to mental health care, provide consultation to triads, and training for medical personnel and crews.

H2F Making a Difference, Tackling the Whole Approach to Care

Article Around MHS
9/15/2022
Military personnel with H2F emblem

Suicide Prevention Month officially kicked off with a suicide survivor panel at the Fort Bragg Soldier and Family Readiness Group Center

Suicide Prevention Month

Article Around MHS
9/14/2022
Infographic for #BeThere campaign

September is Suicide Prevention Month. No one fights the battle alone. Make it your mission to #BeThere for each other.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Expands Opportunities to Help

Article Around MHS
9/9/2022
Infographic for Military Crisis Lifeline

The nationwide kickoff of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, operated 24/7, provides a new tool that expands the opportunities for professional counseling.

#BeThere - September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Article Around MHS
9/7/2022
#BeThere infographic for Suicide Awareness Month

Suicide rates among military members continue to increase year after year.

#BeThere_Marine Mark Wahlberg & Will Ferrell

Article Around MHS
9/7/2022
Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell

PSA video with Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell bringing attention to suicide prevention and promoting the DSTRESS Line and Community Counseling Centers.

Mental Health Office Helps AUAB Members Maintain Readiness

Article Around MHS
8/30/2022
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Melissa Leonardo smiles for photo

Comprehensive Airman Fitness is comprised of physical, social, spiritual and mental fitness. Being physically fit to fight and maintaining a war fighter spirit are crucial to completing the mission.

Fort Campbell SRU Pilot Program Explores Post-traumatic Growth

Article Around MHS
8/25/2022
Military personnel in classroom

The Fort Campbell Soldier Recovery Unit has begun a new pilot program for the Army Recovery Care Program, highlighting post-traumatic growth and positive growth through struggle.

Page 1 of 2 , showing items 1 - 15
First < 1 2 > Last 
Refine your search
Last Updated: August 04, 2022
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery