Chapter 1.2 Breaking the Stigma: The Hidden Struggle of Mental Health in the Military

 In the military, strength and resilience are everything. These qualities define a soldier’s character, and they’re the backbone of what makes military units function under extreme pressure. However, this unrelenting focus on strength creates a problem: it leaves no room for vulnerability, especially when it comes to mental health.

For many service members, admitting to mental health struggles, like PTSD, is viewed as a sign of weakness. The culture fosters an expectation to “suck it up and drive on,” an unwritten rule that soldiers must endure their pain silently. A soldier who raises their hand and says, “I need help,” risks being labeled as weak or unfit for duty. They may fear losing the respect of their peers, being passed over for promotions, or even facing medical discharge. The result? Countless soldiers choose to hide their mental health issues entirely, burying them beneath layers of shame and denial

 This mindset doesn’t just disappear when service members leave the military. It’s deeply ingrained, a kind of mental conditioning that becomes second nature. Veterans often carry this stigma with them into civilian life, continuing to see mental illness as a weakness. They avoid seeking help for fear of judgment or out of a belief that they should be able to “handle it” on their own. But the consequences of untreated mental health issues are severe and far-reaching. 

 For many veterans, untreated PTSD, anxiety, and depression lead to a domino effect that impacts every aspect of their lives. The lack of coping mechanisms learned during service can spiral into self-medication through drugs or alcohol, often resulting in addiction. Sleep becomes elusive due to the constant replay of traumatic memories, leading to irritability, anger issues, and struggles with maintaining employment. Relationships with family and friends may suffer, creating a sense of isolation that only deepens the pain. 

The added challenge comes when veterans realize the long-term effects of not seeking help while in the military. Those who never reported their struggles find it harder to qualify for VA benefits, as there’s no record of their issues during their time in service. This bureaucratic roadblock only increases the frustration and hopelessness, creating another hurdle in an already uphill battle. 

Unfortunately, veterans can’t go back in time and make the brave decision to seek help during their time in the service. However, there is still hope. The camaraderie that defines military life doesn’t have to end when the uniform comes off. Just as we relied on each other in battle, during training missions, or in the daily grind to get through PT or pass a big inspection, veterans can—and must—lean on each other in civilian life. 

 Many struggling veterans will truly only confide in other veterans, those who have walked the same path and understand the unique challenges of military life. This shared experience creates a bond that can be a lifeline for veterans who feel isolated or misunderstood. Veterans helping veterans can make all the difference, offering a safe space to share struggles, encourage acceptance, and promote the bravery of seeking treatment. 

Picking each other up, just as we did in our time on active duty, is critical. Sometimes, the only way to pull a veteran out of the rabbit hole before they reach the point of no return is through another veteran. Encouragement from someone who has faced the same challenges can inspire hope and action in ways no one else can. 

The key to breaking this cycle is acceptance—both within the military culture and among veterans themselves. Mental health struggles are not a reflection of weakness; they are a reality of human experience, especially for those who have endured the physical and emotional toll of military service. Seeking treatment for mental health issues is an act of courage and strength, not a flaw. It’s a decision to face the pain head-on, to heal, and to live a better life. 

 Imagine if the military normalized mental health care, treating it as an essential part of a soldier’s readiness, just like physical fitness. If seeking help were encouraged instead of frowned upon, service members could learn coping techniques, benefit from early intervention, and reduce the long-term impact of their struggles. They could transition into civilian life equipped not just with discipline and skills but also with the tools to manage their mental health. 

 It starts with shifting the narrative. Leaders must create an environment where asking for help is respected and rewarded. Soldiers must see mental health care as a natural and vital part of their overall well-being, not as a reason for shame. Programs that focus on post-deployment mental health evaluations should be the new norm, and resources for treatment should be readily available without fear of negativity nor embarrassment. The"Suck it up and drive on", mindset by leaders must be swapped out with acceptance and supported treatment options.

By coming together as a veteran community and fostering this culture of mutual support, we can bridge the gap that stigma has created. Veterans helping veterans is more than a noble act—it’s a necessary one. Together, we can break the cycle, normalize seeking help, and ensure that every veteran knows that the bravest act is not hiding their pain but facing it, supported by those who understand. It’s time to recognize that true strength lies in acceptance, resilience, and the courage to heal. Simply put let's all join forces and Work The Problem! Stay tuned for next week's new blog and as always thank you for your continued support.

Chapter 1 One Vet’s Mental Health: A Personal Journey Toward Helping Veterans!

Introduction:

My name is Jamie Berry. I am a disabled veteran, husband, father, grandfather, and the Founder & Executive Director of Veteran & Enlisted Targeted Solutions (VETS). The focus of our nonprofit organization is dedicated to combating veteran homelessness and raising awareness about veteran suicide by addressing the root cause of both: mental health issues. Through this blog, I aim to share my personal journey with mental illness and the lessons I’ve learned. My goal is to inspire hope, encourage acceptance, and motivate others to seek the help they need.

A Lifetime of Struggle and Discovery:

Living with mental health challenges has been a lifelong journey filled with highs, lows, and moments of self-discovery. For years, I struggled with extreme mood swings—severe depression followed by periods of elation at times when I should have felt the opposite. I masked these struggles with panic-inducing efforts to appear “normal” to friends, family, and coworkers. At the time, this constant cycle of emotional extremes didn’t seem unusual to me—it was simply my norm. However, it led to embarrassment, denial, and confusion about my behavior. It wasn’t until I accepted my mental health challenges and sought help that I began to understand the “whys” behind my actions. This understanding brought light to what had once felt like a never-ending tunnel. My message is simple: there is hope. Seeking help—whether through a professional, a trusted friend, or a family member—can lead to life-changing improvements. Baby steps matter. The key is acceptance, communication, and effort.

Veteran Homelessness: A National Crisis

As of January 2024, there were 32,882 homeless veterans in the United States. While this represents a 7.5% decrease from January 2023, the number remains staggering and unacceptable. To put this into perspective: the number of homeless veterans surpasses the entire population of Fort Knox, including all troops, families, and civilian workers combined. The majority of these veterans did not envision homelessness after their service. Many of them face mental health challenges stemming from traumatic experiences before, during, or after their military service. The cycle of untreated mental illness often leads to substance abuse and, ultimately, homelessness. The VA has made strides in addressing veteran homelessness, but this is a problem that requires collective action. As a society, we must tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and create an environment where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

The Power of Action:

Social media provides an interesting lens through which to view community priorities. Recently, I shared posts on my personal Facebook page about a basketball game and a boxing match, both of which garnered over 1,000 views within a day. However, when I announced the first fundraising drive for my nonprofit—an effort to create cold weather kits for homeless veterans—the post received only 200 views. This disparity is disheartening but not discouraging. I understand the skepticism many people feel toward nonprofits, particularly those that have failed to act with transparency and integrity. This only strengthens my resolve to ensure that VETS operates with honesty and dedication, proving that positive change is possible.

Call to Action:

How You Can Help If we want to reduce veteran homelessness and address the epidemic of veteran suicide, we must work together. Here are a few ways you can make a difference: 1. Spread Awareness: Share this blog or engage in conversations about mental health and veteran issues. 2. Donate: Support initiatives like our cold weather kits for homeless veterans. Every contribution helps. 3. Volunteer: Join efforts to support veterans in your community. 4. Advocate for Mental Health: Challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage acceptance and openness.

Closing Thoughts:

The launch of Veteran & Enlisted Targeted Solutions on Veterans Day marked the beginning of a mission I’ve dreamed about for years. This is just the first of many blogs where I’ll share my journey, discuss the challenges veterans face, and outline how we can all help. To my fellow veterans: you are not alone. To our community: let’s come together to “work the problem” and create a better future for those who served. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Stay tuned, and always keep working the problem!