Field Problem: Mental Health Care for Soldiers

Editor’s note: This Field Problem™ has been edited to protect personally identifiable information. Because it is a serious but common issue for military members and their families, we’re bringing it to you.

Dear, Field Problems:

My service member has been experiencing short-term memory issues in conjunction with anxiety. These can be symptoms of TBI, PTSD, several mental health concerns, or sometimes side effects of medications. How does the service member find help, especially when he or she is concerned that it might affect their career?

Anonymous

Dear, Anonymous:

First of all, thank you for writing to us with your question about how to get medical care for your service member. He or she is lucky to have you as an advocate.

We know how much of a concern it is to need behavioral health care and be worried about how it will affect a service member’s career. Fortunately, there are a good number of really helpful resources out there to help you both.

And a note, before we get into what your service member can do to get the care that he or she needs, don’t forget about you. Living with someone that has anxiety and memory problems is tough, and you might benefit from some of these resources too. Sometimes just having someone to talk to that’s living outside your situation can help.

So, on to resources and ideas:

1. Real Warriors Campaign: This organization offers amazing services to service members, veterans, and their families. The Campaign offers advice regarding getting the care that you need through Military Treatment Facilities, and they have so many resources available. You can also find phone numbers if you or your service member need to reach out and live chat if you prefer to do it that way.
2. Military & Family Life Consultant Program: You can figure out how to contact them by calling your local Army Community Service office. They may have an MFLC right there at ACS, or there may be one associated with your service member’s battalion, battery, or brigade. MFLCs offer completely confidential, non-medical counseling, but they can also facilitate connections with medical providers.
3. We wrote about depression after the death of Robin Williams, and at the end of that post, you will find a lost of resources.
4. Reach out to your local MTF. Talk to the Patient Advocate. You can let them know that your service member asked for help during an appointment and didn’t get it. Note that this is not about getting someone in trouble—it’s about getting your loved one the care that he or she needs while, at the same time, letting the leadership at the MTF know that there’s something that needs fixing.

I hope these resources help you and that your service member gets the care that he or she needs. If you have any questions or need clarification on any of them, we are here for you.