The word “resilient” is hurled around like a football in the military community, and for a long time, mental health resources in the military have been centered around this word and nothing else.
Adjusting to military life? “Be resilient.”
Last-minute deployment? “Be resilient.”
Family must move again? “Be resilient.”
Financial stress? “Be resilient.”
Resilience is a valuable skill that helps the men and women in uniform learn to more easily adapt to the many changes and challenges military life throws at them.
However, it’s not always enough.
Despite being encouraged to “be resilient,” roughly 60-70% of service members struggle to reach out for help when they need it.
There are several reasons behind their hesitation, ranging from stigma and pride to a deep-seated belief that they should be able to handle everything on their own. Many also fear for their careers, with 35% of military members citing career concerns as a barrier to seeking help.
When a service member’s mental health suffers, his or her family’s mental health also suffers. As a military spouse, I know this from experience.
I have shared many of the ups and downs our family has faced together, dealt with my own declining mental health, and watched my husband not only go through his own hardships but also grieve the loss of some of his fellow service members to suicide.
My husband should never have faced these hardships while fearing reprisals if he asked for help – and neither should anyone else. The buck needs to stop somewhere.
My husband’s story is not unique and is a reminder as to why mental health needs to be taken seriously.
That is why Blue Star Families has joined the George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance to expand Blue Star Support Circles to serve military families.
Service members deciding whether to seek help or not seek help can be critical to military families because the mental health of the service member and his or her families are inextricably linked. Providing comprehensive, non-clinical mental health support is essential to ensure no one faces these challenges alone.
By expanding Blue Star Support Circles, we can offer a safety net of understanding, peer support, and resources so that both service members and their families can receive the support they need to thrive.
Families can also learn the signs of crisis so they can intervene and get the help they or the service member needs.
In addition to expanded support for military families, veterans also have access to Check-In, a no-cost, confidential service that connects veterans, service members, and their loved ones to high-quality mental health resources within 48 hours.
If you are a Veteran in need of support, check in here.
Resilience is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to mental health in the military community.
We must create a culture where reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step in maintaining the well-being of both service members and their families.
By expanding support systems like Blue Star Support Circles, we can provide compassionate, non-judgmental networks that allow military families to connect, share their experiences, and access the resources they need to navigate the challenges of military life together.
No one should face these struggles alone — and with the right support, they do not have to.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for support immediately. Service members and Veterans can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
You can also chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Your mental health matters, and help is available 24/7. Don’t wait — your well-being is a priority, and there are people ready to listen and assist.
Jillian Johnson is a digital marketing specialist for Blue Star Families. She is also a published author and Air Force spouse. She resides with her husband, three kids, four cats, and their dog in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. When she’s not writing or creating unique campaigns, she’s either traveling, reading a good book, or building her next creation in The Sims 4.
