Direct Line

Lt. Ryan Albano, Chaplain, NAS Sigonella

Recently, General John Hyten, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made a keen observation in a video he prepared for Suicide Prevention Month. While discussing the stigma surrounding mental health and how it acts as a barrier to care, Gen. Hyten shared a personal story. He hit a low point as the Commanding General of US Strategic Command and reached out to the psychologist. The psychologist, recognizing that a four star going to mental health could be seen in a negative light, offered him a private appointment so that no one would know he was seeking help. Gen. Hyten turned down the offer and, instead, walked through the front door of the Mental Health Office as a clear statement that there is no stigma against seeking mental health at USSTRATCOM. He met the psychologist, and was better for it.

General Hyten took an important step towards breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in his command, but there is more work for us to do throughout the Armed Forces. I see this each time I teach Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). One of the first questions we ask at the beginning of training is, “If you were struggling with thoughts of suicide, who would you reach out to first?” The answers are written down anonymously, and without fail the vast majority of people say they would first talk to a friend, family member or someone they trust in their command. This tells us two things. The first is that our seemingly mundane daily interactions with our family, friends and coworkers are of utmost significance. We build trust with each other in small yet genuine moments, and a person struggling with thoughts of suicide is not necessarily looking for someone who can solve their problems; they are looking for someone they can trust.

The second thing we learn is that there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health. While people say they would reach out to people who are close to them first, these same people also have fears about what people will think or say if they meet with a psychologist, counselor, or chaplain. They believe that people will think there is something wrong with them. Sadly, I know where their fears are coming from. When I was a young enlisted airman I regularly heard what people really thought about mental health. At my second duty station I worked with a young airman who was at a real low point in her life and regularly met with a counselor. One day I walked into our office and asked here she was to which one of my other coworkers replied, “She’s meeting with her shrink. Apparently she has more than a few screws loose.” That is precisely the kind of stigma we are trying to tear down, because it is not true! I still keep in touch with this airman who supposedly “had a few screws loose,” and I can tell you she came back stronger than ever and is now a helicopter pilot in the US Army.

I hope that these two success stories, one from the highest rank in the military and one from the deck plates, demonstrates that seeking help does not hinder your career; it only helps! Seeking help is a sign of strength, not of weakness. The reality is that many people who feel on top of their game today may very well find themselves needing some help in the future.

Look for one small act you can do to improve the connections in your work centers, family and friends every day. And help us end the stigma surrounding mental health. If you hear someone speaking negatively about a person seeking mental health, shut that conversation down. As a leader, don’t just allow people to seek help. Encourage them to do it! If you’ve sought help before and you feel comfortable talking about, share your story with your team. As you support your team, you will not only help this person get better and come back stronger, but you will also build the kind of trust and camaraderie that genuine care and concern can bring.