Talking about Mental Health: Dilemmas U.S. Military Service Members and Spouses Experience Post Deployment

ABSTRACT A major concern for the U.S. military, its personnel, and their family members, is mental health among the ranks. Suicide rates among military veterans and active duty military personnel steadily increased post 9/11. Trends show service members are unlikely to seek support for mental health concerns primarily due to the stigma in the military and the broader culture around the issue. We sought to understand the challenges military personnel and their spouses face post-deployment when talking about, suggesting, and seeking mental health support. We interviewed 50 U.S. military service members and their spouses (N = 100). Our thematic analysis identified six dilemmas with three forms (i.e., My, Your, & Our). Findings suggest service members and their families are underserved during the reintegration period and underscore the need for intervention efforts that improve their mental, emotional, and relational well-being.