Christy Crimmins | health.mil
June 29, 2012
This week marked the third annual observance of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day. Military leaders, families and supporters gathered on Capitol Hill to raise awareness of PTSD. The program, which included remarks from the Surgeons General of the Army, Navy and Air Force, focused on efforts to reduce the stigma of PTSD and encourage service members to seek help.
“It’s ok to not be ok,” said Brig. Gen. Robert F. Hedelund, director of the Marine and Family Programs Division of the U.S. Marine Corps, “The key is to get help. Accepting help and seeking help are absolutely the key to success.”
Lt. Gen Charles Green, U.S. Air Force surgeon general, described PTSD as a “normal reaction to an abnormal experience,” and echoed Hedelund’s message, encouraging people to “seek the help you need and choose recovery.”
Speakers also addressed the need to reduce the stigma attached to PTSD and mental health assistance, at times relating personal stories.
Sgt. Maj. Raymond Chandler, sergeant major of the Army, called himself a poster child for reducing the stigma associated with psychological health. After two deployments and a close call, Chandler realized he needed to address his mental state.
“I really had to take a deep look at myself and where I was headed, which was on a steep downward spiral,” he said, “I realized I needed to get some help, so I did.”
Chandler spent almost two years in weekly counseling, an experience he credits with making a significant change in his life, “Today, I’m a better man, I’m a better father, I’m a better husband and last but not least, I am a better soldier.”
In 2011, when Chandler interviewed to become Sergeant Major of the Army, he worried that his previous counseling might be a hindrance. Gen. (ret.) George Casey, the Army Chief of Staff at the time, assured him that it was an asset and made him the perfect person to speak out and help reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
“Leaders have the responsibility to encourage anyone who needs help, should they have the courage to seek it,” said Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, U.S. Army surgeon general. “Soldiers and families must come to realize that these issues resulting from deployment are treatable and curable with proper care.”
Horoho also stressed that it is not just the service member that needs help, pointing out that entire families are affected by the stressors of war.
Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, U.S. Navy surgeon general echoed this sentiment, saying that the invisible wound of PTSD is inflicted not just on the service member, but on the family as well.
“We have made great strides,” Nathan said, “And we should be proud of our nation that no longer turns a blind eye or a deaf ear to the family or the warrior who suffer these invisible wounds. I’m encouraged, but I’m not yet satisfied. We have much more to do.”
Maj. Gen. Joseph K. Martin, surgeon general of the U.S. Air National Guard assistant to the U. S. Air Force surgeon general, addressed the unique challenge of delivering psychiatric services to National Guard members who are more geographically isolated than their active duty counterparts. He also said that returning to civilian life after deployment can also present mental health challenges to both National Guard members and their families.
Overall, the message of the day was a call for those suffering from PTSD and other psychological health issues to have the courage to seek help, and for families, friends and supporters to offer them the encouragement and understanding they need.
“They’re not looking for a hand out,” Chandler said of service members, “They’re looking for a hand up to get better, be better and become productive members of society.”
