Career Consequences:

Many Marines worry that seeking help will make them appear "weak" or "defective" to their peers or leaders. In the past there has probably been some basis for this worry, and the stigma associated with seeking help may still be a problem in some units. Current Marine Corps policy is for commands to create a climate where seeking help is encouraged to promote maximum personal and unit readiness. If a Marine were drowning, they would not hesitate to ask for help, and peers and leadership would do everything in their power to help, regardless of the reason for the distress. It needs to be the same way for Marines "drowning" in personal problems or distress. Our readiness and their lives may depend on it. It is important for Marines to be confident they can ask for help without prejudice to their careers. It is especially important for them to understand that what is more likely to affect their careers is not seeking help, and waiting until problems affect their job performance or mental health. But at any point, seeking help should be welcomed and encouraged as the right and courageous thing to do, for the benefit of not only the Marine involved, but also team-mates who depend on him/her to be there when needed.