How Sailors Overcome Mental Health Challenges being on Deployment

Mental health in the military can be a burden especially for men who are taught to suppress their feelings at a young age.

The U.S Naval Institute reported that about 40-percent of active duty sailors between 21 and 24-years-old were among the largest percentage of suicides in the Navy last year.

“We work in one of the most dangerous jobs in the world we are surrounded by near death experiences on a daily basis so mental health is definitely something that is attacked on a regular basis.” -John Vizoso

Working in a high stress environment can trigger mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or even schizophrenia.

While there are programs that they can turn to for help, some sailors instill healthy habits in their daily routines that keep them optimistic.

Some sailors may workout, journal or focus on their goals for the future while others reminisce on happy memories with family and friends back home.

A lot of them have each other to lean on in times of isolation.

I spoke with sailors to find out how they cope with missing their families and how they work on their mental state of mind being on deployment.

Harrison Phillips says, “I look at pictures of like me and like family trips my brothers you know being out with my mom you know she’s like really goofy so like hearing her talk it’s just like reassuring it reminds you that the people around you that you love are still there.”

Memories can sometimes be depressing to look at while others can see it as a motivation to continue to stay strong.

It is important for them to have a strong mindset and remind themselves why they are there.

Being out their on the battleship, parents in the Navy miss out on a lot of family milestone like birthday or their child’s first game but having a healthy relationship with family members can make things better.

Keaton Woolum says, “being away from my daughter, that’s absolutely that’s like one of the hardest things, being away from her and missing so many life events I’m just thankful that her mother and I have the relationship we do.”

Having a strong foundation with family members can help military members keep a clear and optimistic mindset.

To be able to perform your best, your mental health has to be at it’s best.