Deployment Psychology Blog

Staff Perspective: Through SPC Jones’ Eyes - How Stigma Disrupts Mental Health Support for Service Members

By Adria Williams  on 30.07.2025 10:02 am
Dr. Adria Williams

Mental health stigma remains one of the most persistent barriers to care for service members. It operates at multiple levels—internally, socially, and institutionally—limiting help-seeking behavior and impacting readiness and relationships. This four-part fictional vignette follows a day in the life of a junior enlisted soldier. After each act, we explore how different forms of stigma shape the individual’s behavior, relationships, and access to care.

Staff Perspective: Language that Heals, Not Harms

By Annie layden  on 23.07.2025 10:28 am
Annie Layden, LILCSW

Behavioral health providers are crucial in combating the stigma that prevents service members from seeking mental health care. However, providers can inadvertently perpetuate this stigma through their language and tone. Phrases such as “depressed people,” “suffering from,” “mental illness,” or even casual remarks that minimize symptoms can alienate military clients who are already reluctant to engage.

Research Update: 17 July 2025

By Shirl Kennedy  on 17.07.2025 10:28 am

The weekly Research Update contains the latest news, journal articles, and useful links from around the web. Some of this week's topics include:
● Incidence and Nature of Antidepressant Discontinuation Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
● The REACH VET Program and Mortality Outcomes Among Veterans at High Risk of Suicide.
● Firearm Storage and Firearm Suicide.

Staff Perspective: “Do you have children?” The Milspouse Elephant in the Room

By heather tompkins  on 16.07.2025 9:02 am
Dr. Heather Tompkins

Life as a military spouse is synonymous with frequent moves, starting over, and re-establishing connections. For a large portion of my married life, each PCS (Permanent Change of Station) and the initial social functions that followed brought with it a certain angst related to connecting- especially with other military spouses. Although I knew the intent was to meet, interact, and form connections, there tended to be an “elephant in the room” at each of these gatherings.

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