Hi I'm general john heighten the vice
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
and I am laura heighten I know I'm not
alone . When I say the past year has
been challenging . We continue to fight
through a deadly pandemic that has
taken the lives of millions . And I
watched like you as we work through our
service members from Afghanistan and
then we're called back in to evacuate
american citizens , afghans and many of
our allies and partners and their
families . For me , I felt many
emotions , anger , frustration ,
confusion and also a lot of pride . But
I know it's not just service members
who are overwhelmed by emotion by
recent events . We can't forget that
family and friends have been impacted
as well as individuals as a community
as a nation . We are resilient , but no
one is immune to the stress brought on
by life's challenges and resulting
physical and mental health consequences .
Last year I had the opportunity to
record a message about my struggles
which took me to see a mental health
provider . A couple years ago I was
open and honest about my experience
with my doctor . I was supported by my
colleagues , friends and family . I got
the help I needed . And the outpouring
of support for the message was amazing .
And honestly I didn't expect that sort
of response . I didn't expect it
because I didn't think he can help .
Was that extraordinary . Asking for
help is just the right thing to do .
It's no different than being seen by
medical provider for a physical injury
or illness and we all will be equally
supportive if and when you choose to
seek professional help when faced with
tough times , john and I usually turned
to chaplains available to all no matter
your faith background and they have
been enormously helpful . But on one
occasion laura looked at me , realize
something more was needed and suggested
I see a doctor , a psychiatrist so I
did , I needed help and I got it . So
we encourage you to do the same like
most injuries . It took a little time
but I didn't lose my security
clearances or access . That almost
never happens . We just need to rely on
our doctors , professionals trained to
make our physical and emotional
challenges better in tough times . We
should also also rely on our
connections , connections are our
friends , peers , loved ones and yes
our leaders and resources . These
connections ensure that in times when
we are unable to lift ourselves up ,
others will be there to help us . Even
if something seems impossible alone it
is possible with others . Then when our
strength is restored , we can be there
to help others in need . We all do
better in relationship with others . No ,
and notice those around you , leaders
reach out to members of your unit ,
work together to break down common
misconceptions about seeking care ,
emphasize that asking for help is a
sign of strength and it's about
recognizing your needs and seeking out
the appropriate resources , tell your
personal story like I have . It just
helps us connect . We're all human . We
all have challenges in our lives
together . We can help end this
unnecessary stigma against seeking help
in becoming stronger if you or someone
you know , is in crisis or find life
challenges is to be overwhelming .
Contact . The veterans and Military
Crisis Line , a free confidential
service available 24 7 , 365
days a year , trained responders are
there to listen and offer hope and help .
So let's connect to protect . Support
is always within reach .