The Navy has released a mental health playbook to guide leaders on how to broach the subject of mental health with their sailors, and how to help them access resources for help. The playbook aims to address challenges sailors have expressed, including access to services, and encourages conversations with sailors to direct them to the available services. It also highlights the importance of preventative maintenance for people. Under the playbook, naval leaders are tasked with three roles: ensuring an environment where conversations can happen, being on the lookout for signs that sailors are at risk, and helping sailors get services while allowing them to stay in the fleet.
The aim of the Navy is preventing, mitigating, or addressing mental health issues within their commands. The playbook emphasizes the importance of creating a climate of trust and respect, recognizing mental health issues, and getting people the care they need. The three key roles of leaders are identified as setting conditions, recognizing mental health issues, and getting people the care they need, and keeping them in the team. The handbook is intended to be read thoroughly and incorporated into training, with a focus on preventative maintenance for personnel. The playbook encourages leaders to eliminate the stigma around mental health concerns and to provide warm hand-offs to clinical providers.
The members at Americans for a Stronger Navy salutes this effort and we sincerely hope the best for all.
One of the areas we feel we can help is with our “Tell Us Your Story” initiative aims to support mental health by promoting an added sense of purpose for those that serve and have served in the U.S. Navy in the past.
For examlle, the Tell Us Your Story initiative is a project launched by Americans for a Stronger Navy, which aims to shine a spotlight on the stories of those who have served or are currently serving in the Navy. The initiative provides a platform for Navy personnel to share their experiences, insights, and challenges with the broader community. By doing so, it seeks to foster a sense of connection and mutual understanding between Navy personnel and the general public.
One of the key objectives of the Tell Us Your Story initiative is to promote a sense of purpose among Navy personnel. By sharing their stories, Navy personnel can highlight the important role they play in the defense and security of the nation, as well as the broader impact of their work on society. This sense of purpose can be a powerful source of motivation and resilience, particularly in challenging times.
In addition to promoting a sense of purpose, the Tell Us Your Story initiative also seeks to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by Navy personnel. By sharing their stories of personal struggle and triumph, Navy personnel can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage others to seek support when needed.
Overall, the Tell Us Your Story initiative is an important effort to support the mental health and well-being of Navy personnel by promoting a sense of purpose and fostering a greater sense of connection and understanding between the Navy and the broader community.