Army troops will receive mental health check-in visits during the holiday season to support their well-being.
In an effort to address the mental health challenges faced by soldiers during the holiday season, the U.S. Army is implementing daily mental health checks for its personnel. This initiative was detailed in a recent communication from Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who emphasized the importance of supporting troops during this potentially vulnerable time.
Starting immediately and continuing through January 15, Army leaders will engage with soldiers via phone, text, or in-person visits each day. This proactive outreach aims to monitor and enhance the mental well-being of military personnel, whom Driscoll noted may experience increased risks during the holidays. The Army Secretary pointed out that the holiday season can be particularly challenging for service members who are separated from their families or feeling isolated.
Driscoll acknowledged the severity of the situation, referencing the loss of 260 soldiers to suicide in the previous year. He is determined to improve these statistics and cited the success of the 11th Airborne Division stationed in Alaska as a model for the program. This unit, having not registered any suicide cases in the past 14 months, serves as a testament to the effectiveness of regular mental health assessments in identifying and addressing underlying risk factors.
In his communication, Driscoll expressed hope that these daily checks would lead to a reduction in the need for condolence letters to the families of soldiers who succumb to self-harm. The emotional toll of writing such letters, he stated, is profound, and he desires to see fewer families grappling with the loss of loved ones due to suicide.
The move to implement daily mental health check-ins aligns with a broader recognition of the mental health crisis within the military. Research has shown that military personnel are at a heightened risk for suicide throughout the year; however, the unique challenges of the holiday season, including feelings of disconnection and loneliness, exacerbate these issues. This initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to prioritizing mental health and well-being among its ranks, particularly during this critical period.
As this program unfolds, it represents both a response to the ongoing mental health crisis within the military and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all service members during potentially stressful times.
