At VA, one of our primary missions is to educate Veterans about the benefits they have earned, including support for the variety of health challenges and conditions they may face as they transition out of the service and move through life. Many challenges are known and some can cause a great deal of distress such as being diagnosed with a mental health condition like PTSD or depression.
Stereotypes and popular misconceptions have informed our reality for far too long. In many cases, this reality has served as a substantial and seemingly insurmountable barrier to treatment and a better quality of life. These misconceptions can prevent Veterans from seeking help and living their lives to their full potential.
We must eradicate these outdated narratives surrounding mental health and chip away at the “stigma” in order to make mental health care more approachable and accessible for Veterans. Education and outreach play a major role. One of this year’s activities during Mental Health Month took advantage of the new theme Mental Health Means a Stronger You, by holding a YouTube Live event panel to discuss what mental health can, should and does mean to our nation’s Veterans.
I’ve dealt with mental health issues in my personal life and knew how important a discussion like this would be. I was joined on the panel by two sharp individuals, Marine Corps Veteran Moses Maddox and VA’s director of innovation and collaboration for the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Dr. Wendy Tenhula.
Maddox
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