UNCLASSIFIED 
ROUTINE 
R 021259Z MAY 22 MID200001699131U 
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
TO ALNAV 
INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
CNO WASHINGTON DC 
CMC WASHINGTON DC 
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UNCLAS 
 
ALNAV 027/22 
 
MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/MAY// 
 
SUBJ/MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH// 
 
RMKS/1.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a great opportunity to focus 
on our mental wellness, which is critical to our overall readiness as the 
world's preeminent maritime force. 
 
2.  The demands of service, as well as the lingering impact of the pandemic, 
affect the lives of our Sailors, Marines, and families in a multitude of 
ways.  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. 
 
3.  Please reach out whenever you need, or see the need in others.  In the 
course of your service you will experience highs and lows, many of which may 
be unique to those who serve in uniform.  If you need help processing any of 
these experiences or events, I urge you to reach out and talk to 
someone.  Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 
 
4.  You are not alone - 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, embedded within operational units, 
as well as virtually.  We have non-medical mental health resources available 
through our Fleet and Family Support Centers, Marine Corps Community 
Services, Military and Family Life Counseling, Deployment Resiliency 
Counselors, and Military OneSource.  Our chaplains provide confidential 
counseling and can help foster spiritual readiness. 
 
5.  This is a whole of Navy response aimed at supporting our Sailors and 
Marines through resiliency efforts, suicide prevention, and expansion of 
virtual mental health, mental health assistance following accidents or 
disasters, and enhanced mental health coordination to ensure our Sailors and 
Marines get the right service to meet their needs.  Initiatives, such as 
Expanded Operational Stress Control and Mind Body Mental Fitness, promote 
signature behaviors, while reducing destructive behaviors to foster a culture 
where we can withstand, recover, grow, and adapt to military and life 
stressors. 
 
6.  Let others know if you have had positive experiences seeking and 
receiving counseling.  We have a duty to remove stigma, and encourage others 
to make time for their mental health.  Your example may encourage a shipmate 
to get the help they need. 
 
7.  Remember, if you see a fellow Sailor or Marine struggling, check in with 
them.  Help them to get connected to services that can provide assistance. 
You can be the difference.  Together we must fight stigma, promote mental 
health education, and normalize taking care of our mental health. 
 
8.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
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