BACKGROUND: US research suggests that military personnel suffering from mental health problems are reluctant to seek help because of stigma. AIMS: First, to identify the prevalence of mental health stigma beliefs in a UK military sample. Second, to investigate whether distressed personnel report more stigma than those who are not distressed. METHOD: A survey of 1599 naval personnel was undertaken as part of a larger trial prior to examining the effectiveness of a novel trauma support program. RESULTS: The presence of internal stigma was substantial and significantly higher for distressed personnel. The prevalence of stigma about other people's mental health problems was low. Junior personnel reported being more uncomfortable in discussing emotional issues with their peer group than senior staff. CONCLUSIONS: Internal stigma remains a significant barrier to help seeking within the Royal Navy, especially for distressed personnel. This may be especially problematic for junior personnel who are known to be particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems.
BACKGROUND: US research suggests that military personnel suffering from mental health problems are reluctant to seek help because of stigma. AIMS: First, to identify the prevalence of mental health stigma beliefs in a UK military sample. Second, to investigate whether distressed personnel report more stigma than those who are not distressed. METHOD: A survey of 1599 naval personnel was undertaken as part of a larger trial prior to examining the effectiveness of a novel trauma support program. RESULTS: The presence of internal stigma was substantial and significantly higher for distressed personnel. The prevalence of stigma about other people's mental health problems was low. Junior personnel reported being more uncomfortable in discussing emotional issues with their peer group than senior staff. CONCLUSIONS: Internal stigma remains a significant barrier to help seeking within the Royal Navy, especially for distressed personnel. This may be especially problematic for junior personnel who are known to be particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems.
Authors: Harriet J Forbes; Caroline F S Boyd; Norman Jones; Neil Greenberg; Edgar Jones; Simon Wessely; Amy C Iversen; Nicola T Fear Journal: Mil Med Date: 2013-09 Impact factor: 1.437
Authors: Ross J Tynan; Carole James; Robyn Considine; Jaelea Skehan; Jorgen Gullestrup; Terry J Lewin; John Wiggers; Brian J Kelly Journal: Int J Ment Health Syst Date: 2018-11-01
Authors: Sharon A M Stevelink; Norman Jones; Margaret Jones; Daniel Dyball; Charandeep K Khera; David Pernet; Shirlee MacCrimmon; Dominic Murphy; Lisa Hull; Neil Greenberg; Deirdre MacManus; Laura Goodwin; Marie-Louise Sharp; Simon Wessely; Roberto J Rona; Nicola T Fear Journal: Eur J Psychotraumatol Date: 2019-01-14
Authors: Ross J Tynan; Robyn Considine; Jane L Rich; Jaelea Skehan; John Wiggers; Terry J Lewin; Carole James; Kerry Inder; Amanda L Baker; Frances Kay-Lambkin; David Perkins; Brian J Kelly Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2016-09-21 Impact factor: 2.655