The following is a post written by a student, Kiera McNulty. This
post highlights her work that she completed as part of her requirements
in Ant 411: Culture Areas of the World. Students have the opportunity
to explore material through their own research. Please show your
appreciation for her work through the comments.
By Kiera McNulty
The military has always been there as a means
of defense for our country as they protect and serve. The military builds their
recruits into soldiers, so they will excel at their tasks in the field. They
save lives and give homes to those who need it. These are people who are putting
their lives on the line everyday giving up time for the ones they love.
Although the military seems like one big perfect family looks can be deceiving.
Even though the military has good
benefits it is only to a certain extent.
Given the class discussion and the content of the video I want to know
if the military hides/shames those who need help mentally or emotionally?
It is crazy how the ones who help save
others will not even save their own soldiers. Those of us who are not in the
military can only image how terrifying and awful being out in the field is.
These soldiers are putting their lives on the line, but when they need help to cope
with these experiences they are look down upon. Many don’t want to see or seek
help in fear that they will be discharge, dishonorable discharge, and losing
everything they work for.
Seeking help is not confidential in the military
and everything is reported to the commanding officer. They expect their
soldiers to be nothing less than perfect and the same for their families. This
standard is a tough standard to hold up to due to the fact that it doesn’t
exist. Despite the fact that the military try to come off as a tight facility
they have a few cracks in the walls. Masculinity is huge so the men are look
upon the most as they are expected to keep themselves and household in order.
Families suffer from these strict
standards, and they pay the consequences. Lack of support from outside sources affects
the homes of those who served. Since they cannot handle it mentally they most
likely will not be able to handle it emotionally. Some military personnel
develop mental disorders, such as PTSD or depression. Since majority will not
seek out help professionally they turn to drugs and alcohol, and this leads to
drug and domestic abuse. Alcohol abuse is greater among the military personnel
than among civilians mostly because of development and war. The military does
offer help to domestic abuse families but because of the fear of being homeless
or discharger some never speak up. They do not want their husbands losing their
jobs and being kicked of base or whatever consequences that may apply.
It is not just military leaders or
soldiers either; it is also their families who suffer the most. Sometimes the
military’s strict environment can cause a lot of emotional damage to children
and spouses. Children who suffer from depression, mental disorders, or suicidal
tendencies have it really bad in the military life. Families did not talk to
their kids about what was going on or was ashamed of taking their kids to the
hospital for suicide attempts or mental breakdowns. Anything of the sort was
immediately reported or gave officials a reason to let them go. Altercations or
crimes, such as rape, are worst because victims are terrified to speak up or
incriminate a military official. Victims are scared because they are putting
someone’s career on the line and that comes with a lot of backlash on them and
their family. The military has been known for covering up rape cases and much
more.
You would think that they would take
care of the people who helped them achieve their goals and protect this
country. The health issues they develop are caused by them and should be
supported. They should promote counseling or seeking help medically for mental
health. These events should be confidential and kept private in the military.
Whatever is diagnosed or determined should not be use against those who were
brave enough to speak up and say they need help.
Just because they have a minor setback
does not make them broken or unworthy. They are not flawed or should be look
down upon. Everyone should pitch in to make sure that everyone gets the help
they deserve and need.
References
DrugFacts: Substance Abuse in
the Military | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
(2013, March). Retrieved from
Bryan, C.J., Morrow, C.E.,
Etienne, N., & Ray-Sannerud, B. (2013). Guilt, shame, and suicidal
ideation in a military outpatient clinical sample. Depression and Anxiety,
30, 55-60.
Robert Jamaal Downey. Making Home: An Autoethnography of a Military
Brat.
University of Massachusetts
6 comments:
Akwila Cooks
Kiera made some good points through out her response. Something that stuck out to me is when she stated that not only does it messes with the person that was actually in the military but their families. A family can really be effected by this experience. The families should be provided with all the help they need when going through something like this.
Great blog, I agree with Kiera when she stated The health issues they develop are caused by them and should be supported. They should promote counseling or seeking help medically for mental health. These events should be confidential and kept private in the military. It so many veterans today that's dealing with mental illness and not being helped like should be! they put their life on the line for this country, i feel like that's the least they can do.
-Micah Seals
GThis blog was very unique. One thing I did for my son when his Dad went to South Korea was set him up with a counselor. He was 3 at the time, but I was so nervous about how he would react to heaving his Dad gone for a full year. I feel that this helped him tremendously. We also spoke about it daily so he knew it was okay to discuss what was on his mind about the situation. We were able to answer all of his questions that way so he wasn’t left wondering. I like how this post went into the other aspects of Military families, such as the families back home. Great Job!
Kahla Perry
This was an awesome blog. My best friend was in Korea for a whole year and almost everyday for about six months she was depressed. She missed her family so much and she couldn't really talk to them. I would try to comfort her to the best of my abilities and show her I was there if she needed anything or to just talk. She eventually got over her depression met friends and enjoyed the rest of her time out there. I knw how hard it is to be away from family so I understood how she felt. This post does a great job with talking about the issues that families do face.
My favorite part of this article is when Kiera tells the readers how the families also suffer mentally and emotionally by a loved one being at war/in the army. Great article!
-Jasmine Busby
I really feel for those who have to endure this. I feel that help should be offered to them and it should be free. My heart goes out to people that fight for their countries and their families as well.
Mya Bursey
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