Certain words in our everyday language can discourage people from speaking up about their stress, or seeking help. “Stigma” is a commonly used word that can prompt feelings of shame and weakness. Changing the way we talk about seeking help is essential in creating a culture supportive of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Here are some ways to engage and educate your fellow Marines about stress navigation and seeking help:
- Provide available resources when having discussions of stress reactions or injuries with fellow Marines. The Marine Intercept Program (MIP) offers a series of caring contacts, risk assessment, and reintegration assistance to bring together support and tools to reduce and promote resilience.
- Share stories of hope and recovery to demonstrate that help works and life counts. Visit www.realwarriors.net and www.maketheconnection.net for testimonials from service members who have recovered from stress reactions and learn ways to combat stress, fatigue, anger, and trauma.
- Have honest peer-to-peer conversations about personal stressors, healthy coping skills, and reaching out to support networks when stress is high.
- Suicide Prevention Month, held in September, is an opportunity to reenergize the conversation and set a positive tone about being there for yourself and others.