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ROUTINE
R 141538Z DEC 21 MID200001322769U
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MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/DEC// SUBJ/BUILDING AND MAINTAINING 
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON// POC/MS. A. 
GOLDSTEIN/DON SAPRO/LOC:  WASH DC/TEL:  (703) 693-0223// 

RMKS/1.  The holiday season is a time of family, when we gather with our 
loved ones, take stock of the past year, and set intentions for the year to 
come.  We celebrate numerous cultural and spiritual traditions with shared 
values of community and togetherness.  We renew our connections and focus on 
our emotional and spiritual well-being.
The holiday season is also a time of profound vulnerability.  The 
expectations of military life can create stressors that affect us and our 
loved ones.  In addition, many members of our force have experienced trauma 
before and during their service.  The holiday season may remind us of those 
we have lost, how our lives have changed, and of family we are separated 
from.
This time of year is also ideal to build cohesion, trust and esprit de corps, 
and remind our fellow Sailors, Marines, and civilian employees that they are 
valued members of our force.  Whether we are ashore this year with our loved 
ones, or forward deployed standing the watch, we all share the chosen family 
of the Navy-Marine Corps Team.
This year, I am directing Navy and Marine Corps leaders at all levels to 
gather their teams for small group discussions focused on promoting healthy 
relationships and mental well-being.  We must promote a culture where seeking 
help is viewed as the sign of strength that it is.  Leaders should 
proactively and routinely engage with their Sailors, Marines, and civilian 
employees about personal and often difficult topics.
Prior to dismissing units for special liberty prior to the Christmas holiday, 
I am directing Commanders to devote at least one hour to team-building 
exercises, followed by one-on-one discussions with each Sailor, Marine, and 
civilian to emphasize self-care and to reach out if help is needed.  Leaders 
are encouraged to use their discretion to delegate these activities to be 
held at the lowest appropriate level.  I also encourage you to promote these 
trust-building small unit discussions throughout the year.
Leaders are also encouraged to use their best judgment for implementing this 
guidance.  The Department of the Navy (DON) has provided resources at https 
://www.secnav.navy.mil/sapro/Pages/Resource.aspx which are intended to 
facilitate your discussions.
Finally, I want to reiterate that there is No Wrong Door in the DON for 
Sailors, Marines, and civilian employees to get the help they need.  Mental 
health professionals, chaplains, family counselors, and other support 
professionals are here for you.  Mental health services are available across 
the globe at military medical treatment facilities, embedded within 
operational units, and available within our local communities.  Resources are 
available via the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, Military One Source 
at 1-800-342-9647, and at VA Vet Centers at 1-877-WAR-VETS.  For civilian 
employees, the DON Civilian Employee Assistance Program is available at 1-
844-366 -2327.  Information about suicide prevention is also available at 
https ://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention.
2.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// BT
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