For the Black community because we feel like we have to be stronger, we have to fight harder to go and seek mental help is a sign of weakness, and it shouldn't be that. It's not a sign of weakness. It's actually a sign of you being a better person for yourself or for others. If you need help, get help. Stanita, United States Navy, 2001 to 2021, and I retired as a Chief Navy counselor. Well, I joined the Navy because at the time, it was a way for me to not only take care of my children, but to also better myself. It was hard being in the military. There were times where I was the only female around a bunch of men. That was horrible. The harassment, the comments mentally, I had to shut myself down. I did not seek the help that I needed.
Before I sought mental health assistance, some of the things I noticed was I would withdraw. I did not want to interact with others in any way, and I didn't like what I saw in myself. Even in my marriage, things started to take a turn, especially after I literally got into a physical altercation at work. So for me to talk to someone, especially a stranger, is super hard for me. Even doing this right now is super hard for me, but I'm willing to sacrifice my feelings to help someone else, to let other people know that you don't have to suffer alone. I'm not afraid to say I need help. If everybody sought the treatment that they needed, we will all be in a much better place. I was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Telehealth therapy in my experience, I honestly prefer telehealth than going to the physical building because I feel like I'm in an environment where I'm more comfortable.
Some tools that I learned through therapy, breathing, definitely breathing, taking a pause for the cause. I have learned to communicate better, not just hearing, but also listening. I've learned so many things to be honest, and I actually utilize every technique that I have been taught. My family coming out and spending time with me today and supporting me to actually have my mom out meant everything to me because my mom was battling breast cancer at one point. Today's a great day. One bit of advice I would have, especially for female Veterans as it is concerned with mental health, is to get help. It will help you navigate the world better.
If you have the opportunity, if you have the resources, if you have even just the time, use the telehealth or the video calls. Get the help that you need. Don't worry about what people are going to say about you. Don't worry about how people are going to look at you. Just do it. It's not anything that's going to hinder you for the rest of your life. What will hinder you for the rest of your life is not seeking the treatment that you need. So it's better to get ahead of it than let it get ahead of you.
