Supporting A Loved One In The Military Is Truly A Duty

Supporting A Loved One In The Military Is Truly A Duty Of Its Own It

Supporting a loved one in the military, whether active duty or veteran, involves unique challenges and responsibilities, particularly when addressing mental health crises such as suicidal ideation. Military families often face intense emotional stress, stigma related to mental health, and logistical barriers to seeking help. As a helping professional, understanding how to craft an effective support plan tailored to the specific circumstances of active duty personnel versus veterans is essential. This plan must incorporate strategies for intervention, enlist military command support, and incorporate evidence-based practices to mitigate the risk of suicide within this population.

The first step in developing a support plan for a military family dealing with a potential suicidal loved one involves education and awareness. Families should be informed about the signs of suicidal ideation, including behavioral changes, withdrawal, expressions of hopelessness, or increased substance use (Harmon et al., 2016). Recognizing warning signs early enables timely intervention, which is crucial given the often covert nature of suicidal thoughts. Equipping families with knowledge reduces stigma and encourages open communication, which are vital in creating a supportive environment.

Effective intervention strategies involve creating safety plans tailored to the individual's circumstances. For active duty personnel, this process should include collaboration with military command, mental health services, and the service member themselves. Engaging military leadership is critical because command structures can either hinder or facilitate access to mental health resources. Commands that promote mental health awareness and destigmatize help-seeking behaviors tend to encourage service members to seek treatment without fear of disciplinary action or stigma (Rubin, Weiss, & Coll, 2013). Conversely, some command cultures may inadvertently impede treatment due to concerns about career impact or perceived weakness, making it essential for mental health practitioners and families to advocate for a supportive command climate.

In practical terms, the family should be advised to develop a safety or crisis plan, which includes removing access to means of self-harm, establishing a network of support, and knowing how to contact mental health services or crisis hotlines promptly. For active duty members, the family might also consider involving the unit’s behavioral health or chaplain services as an additional support resource. Encouraging the service member to engage with confidential counseling services, either through military channels or civilian providers, is essential. Evidence suggests that military-specific interventions, such as peer support programs and resilience training, can effectively reduce suicide risk (Blosnich et al., 2013). For veterans, community-based resources, VA mental health services, and peer support groups are integral to ongoing recovery efforts.

Support plans must also address the role of military command. The leadership can facilitate access to mental health services by establishing policies that protect the confidentiality and career prospects of service members seeking help. They can promote a culture where seeking mental health support is normalized and encouraged, thus reducing stigma. Training commands and unit leaders to recognize mental health issues and respond appropriately can lead to early intervention and potentially save lives (Hyman, Ireland, Frost, & Cottrell, 2012). In some cases, commanders have implemented mandatory mental health check-ins or stress management programs, which contribute to a proactive approach to preventing suicide.

For veterans, family members and mental health professionals should advocate for accessible, culturally competent care that recognizes the unique stressors faced during military service and reintegration into civilian life. Outreach programs and peer support initiatives within veteran communities have been shown to be effective in reducing suicide risk. Furthermore, providing education about the normalcy of seeking help and the reassurance that treatment does not threaten military or veteran status is essential for reducing stigma (Pryce, Pryce, & Shakelford, 2012).

Overall, a comprehensive support plan involves education, early identification, safety planning, engagement with military or civilian mental health resources, and active collaboration with military command or veteran support organizations. Such a plan must be adaptable to the specific context of either active duty military personnel or veterans, addressing the unique barriers and opportunities in each setting. Involving families as active participants, advocating for supportive command policies, and utilizing evidence-based interventions form the backbone of an effective suicide prevention strategy within military families.

References

• Blosnich, J. R., Brown, G. R., Shipherd, J. C., Kauth, M., Piegari, R., & Bossarte, R. M. (2013). Prevalence of gender identity disorder and suicide risk among transgender veterans utilizing veterans health administration care. Journal of Public Health, 105, 27–32.
• Harmon, L. M., Cooper, R. L., Nugent, W. R., & Butcher, J. J. (2016). A review of the effectiveness of military suicide prevention programs in reducing rates of military suicides. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 26(1), 15–24.
• Hyman, J., Ireland, R., Frost, L., & Cottrell, L. (2012). Suicide incidence and risk factors in an active duty US military population. American Journal of Public Health, 102(Suppl. 1), 138–146.
• Pryce, J. G., Pryce, D. H., & Shakelford, K. K. (2012). The costs of courage: Combat stress, warriors, and family survival. Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.
• Rubin, A., Weiss, E. L., & Coll, J. E. (2013). Handbook of military social work. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
• Dick, G. (2014). Social work practice with veterans. Washington, D.C.: NASW Press.