Military Makes
Case Against
'Mental Health' Stigma
     Late last week the Pentagon announced that the term “mental health” will no longer be employed by Army commands. Instead, all policies, regulations and documents will use the phrase “behavioral health services,” in an Army-wide effort to reduce the stigma for soldiers seeking mental health support. The change is part of a larger military campaign to promote health, reduce risk and prevent suicide. The campaign reflects a wider recognition that mental healthcare is an issue that impacts everyone – no matter the culture, occupation or faith tradition – and that ignoring it only adds to the damage.
     In a 2004 American Psychologist  article, Patrick Corrigan noted that the “mental illness” label actually prevents people from both finding help and sticking with it. He noted that the stigma impedes treatment participation by decreasing self esteem and cheating them out of social opportunities. The new Pentagon initiatives appear to take aim at both concerns, by making it easier for soldiers to get support discretely, and increasing behavioral health awareness among commanders and soldiers at all levels. For example, behavioral health services now will be housed in hospitals, rather than in separate buildings where it may have been obvious that soldiers are seeking mental health assistance. A new military website – RealWarriors.net – features stories of real service members who have sought treatment while still maintaining successful careers.
     The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) points out that one in five people worldwide suffer a mental or neurological disorder at some point during their lives, and yet nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek help from a professional. NAMI contends that discrimination and stigma are to blame for these statistics, adding that individual action is required to change public attitudes. Specifically, NAMI invites advocates to protest prejudice and stereotypes in the media while also praising accurate information and depictions that improve public understanding of mental illness.
     The Mayo Clinic argues that our modern “celebrity” culture is helping spread the word about mental health and destigmatize those seeking help. “Celebrities who openly discuss their mental illnesses or write books about their experiences increase public awareness and help make it easier for others to reveal their struggles with mental illness,” the Clinic said in a 2005 white paper. The paper references Lorraine Bracco (depression), Jane Pauley (bipolar disorder), Mike Wallace (depression), and Brooke Shields (postpartum depression).

Washingtonian Names Rebecca Sears ‘Top Therapist’

     When Rebecca Sears first heard that Washingtonian Magazine just named her one of the top marriage and family therapists in the area, she initially thought: “Who – me?” But quickly she identified the tribute as an affirmation of Imago Relationship Therapy as a whole.

     “It’s an honor and a validation of the type of work we’re doing,” Sears said.
Much more than me, it’s a reaction to the power of Imago and relational work. People do respond to this work – it’s inspirational and empowering because there are ripple effects, not just to our clients, but to our own families, friends, and communities.”

     Sears was named one of 13 top marriage and family therapists in Washingtonian Magazine’s annual “Best Of” issue in July. The editors sent invitations to 1,500 mental health professionals in the area asking them to participate in an online survey, and received responses from nearly 800 participants. “Knowing it’s the people I trained, and professionals I’ve worked with, who voted for me is so encouraging. I aspire to be as good as my own trainers, and it goes on and on,” Sears said.

Rebecca Sears works in PC&CC’s Dupont Circle and Takoma Park offices. She may be reached at 202-449-3789 x702.

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE MONTH: Re-Romanticize Your Partnership
According to ancient Chinese wisdom, summer is the season for partnership, warmth, joy and passion. Bring summer’s fire to your relationship by doing this exercise with your partner:

1. On separate sheets of paper each write the heading, “I feel most loved and cared about when you...”
2. Underneath, write all the things your partner does – or once did – that make you feel most loved and cared about.
3. Read your lists out loud to each other and then exchange them.

Commit with your partner to do at least two of the items on the list each week for each other, without being asked or reminded.

–Bob Gordon