Mental Health Care - Can the USAF Do More to Encourage Help Seeking Behavior? (Paperback)

The purpose of this research paper is to demonstrate how the USAF can take additional steps to de-stigmatize mental health treatment, and encourage help seeking behavior among its active duty members. Its aim is to spread awareness of current mental health issues, and to offer some solutions in coping with issues involved with seeking help for mental health care. This paper discusses the stigma surrounding mental health care within society and the military. The review of issues concentrates on generic and historic sources of mental health topics, as well several primary military resources. It presents a thorough and balanced look at the current issues impacting mental health, and what has caused these issues to remain. The research then examines the initiatives the USAF has recently undertaken to address these issues. It suggests the military is not immune from the problems associated with seeking help for mental health care, and though the USAF has recognized the problems, its successful at de-stigmatizing the use of military care facilities for mental health care. Finally, the research suggests ways the USAF could further alleviate the problems in the future, and encourage more help seeking behavior among its members.