Similarities between military and medical service: stigma of seeking mental health assistance.

Studies have identified that there are many barriers to treatment of mental health illnesses in military populations, including the negative-associated stigma. One such barrier includes perceptions of weakness, leading to concerns about leadership and competency and being seen as malingering. Furthermore, similarities can be seen in civilian health professionals, where concerns of negative perceptions can limit reporting and treatment of mental health illnesses. Despite the frequency of stressful events, military and health professionals do not become immune to stress and are often ill prepared to cope with acute stressors that can often build on each other until emotional exhaustion and/or crisis point. Even with targeted internal programmes, the stigma of seeking mental health assistance in the military and medicine is poor and is believed to contribute to poor outcomes, such as the potential of increased suicide prevalence.