R 032111Z MAY 21
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC
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MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/MAY//
 
SUBJ/MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH//
 
RMKS/1.  Dear Shipmates, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity 
to touch base on a critical aspect of our readiness and well-being that 
touches everything we do.
 
2.  The demands of service can have deep and lasting effects on the lives of 
our warriors and families.  As you stand the watch on behalf of the American
people, I ask you to ensure you are taking the time to look out for yourself
and those who serve alongside you as well.
 
3.  Please reach out whenever you need to or see the need in others.  I know
from personal experience how helpful counseling can be during both personal 
and professional struggles.  In the course of your service, you may see and
experience things most Americans won’t ever think about. That’s what you
volunteered to do.  But don’t shelve those experiences away.  Reach out and 
talk to somebody.  Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
 
4.  Mental health professionals, chaplains, family counselors, and other 
support professionals are here for you.  There is No Wrong Door for Sailors 
and Marines to get the help they need.  Mental health services are available 
across the globe at military medical treatment facilities, above, on and 
below the sea, and embedded within operational units.
 
5.  And if you have had positive experiences seeking and receiving 
counseling, let others know about it.  We have to remove the stigma and start 
the conversation.  That’s why I’m launching a video series encouraging 
leaders throughout the Department of the Navy to speak up about their 
experiences with mental health counseling.  You will see these videos, 
starting with my own, on Navy and Marine Corps social media pages in the 
coming weeks.
 
6.  I have discussed this video series at recent gatherings with uniformed 
and civilian leaders from across the Navy and Marine Corps, and I hope you’ll 
take the time to tell your story as well.  Your example may encourage a 
shipmate to get the help they need.  So let’s lead the way. Tell your story, 
and I’ll tell mine.  Together we can end the silence, and begin the 
healing.  Thank you.
 
7.  Released by the Honorable Thomas W. Harker, Acting Secretary of the 
Navy.//
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