End the Myth: Seeking mental health treatment will not impact AF career

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jason Aucoin
  • 48th Fighter Wing Safety Office
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  - Most Airmen can agree that the Air Force puts an immense amount of focus on providing all Airmen the tools to spot suicidal risk factors. 

Even with mandatory training, the Department of Defense and Air Force continue to see a rise in suicide trends. 

As a matter of fact, as of the first 22 days of this year, the Air Force has seen 10 suicides: double that of 2015.  No demographic is immune to the tragedy of suicide; from the most operationally experienced warrior, to the newest Airman. 
Recently, I received an email from one of my mentors, a well-respected major command functional manager, discussing the help he has continuously received from mental health professionals and how the strength of his spiritual resiliency pillar is helping him overcome severe anxiety.

This email, along with a recent suicide in our small occupational safety career field led to an honest and open "water cooler" conversation in our office. A seasoned Airman stated, "I've always been told to never seek mental health as it will ruin my career."
Although this wasn't the first time I've heard this in my career, it was rather shocking to hear how it was stated as a factual and undeniable truth.   While the rate of suicide in the military has spiked in the last decade, the reasons are complicated.  Military leaders and the mental health community work tirelessly to find causes, reasons, and create action plans to prevent future suicides.

So, what can you do to help?  First, utilize the tools you are taught to recognize suicidal risk factors. Next, end the myth that seeking treatment will ruin your career. Seeking help does not ruin your career---it just doesn't happen! That's a FACT.
Recently, Chief Master Sgt. David Martin, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa safety functional manager supported that point with this message: "No career field is safe, no airman is immune.  If you are in a hard place in life, please get help. Please talk to somebody.  Allow someone to grab you by the hand and help you walk out of where you are.  Know that getting help will NOT negatively impact your career.  I am living proof of that.  I have used mental health and other services throughout my career. Talking to the right people helps."

The command chief of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Chief Master Sgt. Maxwell Grindstaff, reiterated Martin's sentiment by sharing that he personally takes advantage of Air Force mental health support services to continue to help him cope today.  "It was very easy," Grindstaff said. "When I first walked in, the staff asked if I wanted to use the [distinguished visitor entrance] because I was a chief. I said, 'Heck no!' What kind of hypocrite would I be if I used a DV entrance? I'm not ashamed to admit I needed help." 

Grindstaff said he wasn't worried about being stigmatized for seeking help.  "There was a stigma back in the '80s when I came in, but 20 years of being on the battlefield has driven Airmen to be more pragmatic," Grindstaff said. "Leaders are much more comfortable with getting the help they need and encouraging their Airmen to get help. It's an issue of integrity. If Airmen see their leaders getting help, they're more likely to get it themselves." 

Seeking help isn't just about going to mental health appointments. It's about seeking help in all areas of Comprehensive Airman Fitness.  CAF was based off the principles of the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Program, which has seen huge success in all areas of life satisfaction, not just preventing suicide.  
Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, former Air Combat Command command chief, often shared stories of his mistakes, recovery, and resilience. He was an early adopter of the pillars of resilience, starting first with the spiritual pillar, which he cites as the most important pillar in his life. Parsons found himself facing a potential court martial.  His professional issues spilled over into his home life, affecting his wife and children.  Seeking health was a game-changer for him and many Airmen throughout our Air Force. 

At the end of the day, even if you believe seeking help would negatively impact your career, you must ask yourself this: "So what?" At best, your Air Force career will last 30 years. Hopefully, your full life will be much longer.  This conversation might not impact you today, but the way you communicate the message will impact our Air Force for years to come.  Please, END THE MYTH.