A quick memory to share with all of you that don't read this. It will explain the main reason why military personnel will never take mental health professionals seriously.
Between my two deployments we were all made to see mental health "professionals" to determine if we were fit to deploy again as well as to screen for PTSD and depression. Basically every Marine that walked into the makeshift office was told he had PTSD. This could have very well been true (not likely though), but the means of determining if one had PTSD were faulty, at best. For example, one Marine was told he had PTSD because he drank more than six beers a week. Another friend of mine was labeled likewise, only this time for smoking a pack of cigarettes every few day.
To make matters worse, these "professionals were complete assholes. The woman I talked to asked me what company I was in. When I told her she flippantly responded with, "Oh, you guys didn't have it that bad."
WHAT THE FUCK? NOT THAT BAD? What the fuck does that even mean? A deployment either goes well or terribly, not in between. Especially for an infantry company. Three of my friends were killed in one 30 day period IN MY COMPANY! It took everything in me not to just walk out. Looking back, I wish I would have.
This is why military personnel will NEVER take someone in the field of mental health seriously.
If you ever get into the mental health field, do NOT act like these jokers. If you really want to help you will listen to that Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airmen (Coasty as well, I guess). They will either tell you what you need to know, or they wont. It's that simple. You don't need to patronize them.
If you want to be the most helpful: join the military and then get into the mental health field afterwards. You will be able to relate to the service members and your time with them will be much more effective.
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