Bridging the Gap: Understanding Military Culture and Psychological Health Stressors

July 16, 2009

Providing civilian health care professionals with insight into the unique culture and psychological health stressors that service members and veterans experience is an important part of the Real Warriors Campaign.

Fundamentally different from other organizations, the military has several factors that set it apart. Some of them include a high standard of discipline that helps organize and structure the active duty armed forces; a professional ethos of loyalty and self-sacrifi ce that maintains order during battle; a distinct set of rules for ceremony and etiquette that helps create shared rituals and common identities; and an emphasis on group cohesion and esprit de corps that connect service members to each other.

These cultural basics make it challenging for providers to help returning warriors who may be experiencing traumatic brain injuries and psychological health issues. Health professionals need to understand the unique cultural aspects of the military and stay abreast of new initiatives to decrease stigma in order to effectively counsel returning service members and their families.

Health care providers can access tools and resources designed for military audiences, including clinical practice guidelines, from the Real Warriors Campaign Website: www.realwarriors.net.