As someone still tied to the Special Operation community, I can tell you that the problem is not and most likely will not go away any time soon. The issues cannot just be chalked up to combat or the like. The military is a microcosm of society as a whole. This means there is a group of young folks with mental health needs, there are cases of sexual assault, there is sometimes spouse violence, there are marriage failures, etc. Where I see the difference, being such a small community really amps up the peer pressure and the stigma related to reporting or getting help. It isn't that services are lacking, it is that a strong-willed individual doesn't want to let their team down or their family down and chooses to try and internalize to challenge it on their own. Here at SOCOM, we have already had 4 individuals succeed at attempting to relieve the pain. With embedded mental health professionals and constant reviews here, it is hard to imagine a more effective way to identify and help. Hearing the sirens running in the am has really become such a negative event as there is always that thought in the back of your mind...not again!

Sadly, the VA does a good job of the identification of mental health issues but their follow through is nearly non-existent. They try and throw pills at you while shying away from the counseling that should go hand in hand with it. There is also a catch-22 here in that the member must take responsibility for taking their meds and getting themselves to appointments. We also have to remember that most of these men and woman were part of something greater than themselves and once disconnected from that duty it is hard to fill that void. This is where things can become devastating. In any case, the same drive, pride, and strength that makes most military members successful are actually the weaknesses that make treatments difficult.

Americus, thanks for sharing. That is very difficult to do. It shows that you have taken huge strides since those dark days and I sincerely hope those days are behind you and that you are continuing to strengthen as the days go by. It is almost certain that someone will find strength in what you have shared with us. If you ever feel the need to vent, feel free to PM me and I'll be an open ear.

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