Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene

Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn More

Mental Stress is like a ‘Check Engine Light’ Flashing–Don’t Ignore It

Image of Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason David talks about his  journey of recovery through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program during a video conversation with Defense Health Agency Command Sgt. Major Michael Gragg. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason David spoke about his own journey of recovery through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program during a video conversation with Defense Health Agency Command Sgt. Major Michael Gragg at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Nov. 19.

For one Air Force senior enlisted leader, the problem of “combat stress” and the toll it takes on warfighters – and often on their families, too – continues to be an issue that the military community struggles to fully understand.

“Sometimes they don’t feel right about only having mental injuries. They don’t think it’s a big deal, but it is,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason David, the chief enlisted manager for the Defense Media Activity.

David spoke about his own journey of recovery through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program during a video conversation with Defense Health Agency Command Sgt. Major Michael Gragg at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Nov. 19. They were both attending Virtual CARE Week events as part of the DOD’s Warrior Care Month observance.

David was seriously wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom and said he “had a hard time with recovery in general.” He later was deployed to Afghanistan, and made use both times of mental health care services available to troops and veterans as part of his recovery.

“I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve seen a psychiatrist. I'm not ashamed to say I’ve been to behavioral or mental health care,” he told Gragg during their conversation during the Day of Healing events

David also spoke about the continued societal stigmatization of wounded warriors.

“Aside from the physical [injuries], the mental stress – they call it combat stress – that is a bizarre concept for folks that are not serving, who haven’t served, or don’t know anyone who has served in the armed forces,” he said.

The physical and mental recovery “takes a toll on yourself, your family, and your livelihood.”

And for those who have invisible wounds, the burden can even be bigger, David said.

He used the analogy of an automobile engine warning light to help explain the effects that psychological injuries can have.

“What happens when your check engine light turns on? Do you just ignore it until your engine stops or are you responsible because you’re thinking about the longer game, you’re thinking about the big picture?”

“You don’t know if it’s going to be a dramatic chain of events that’s going to ultimately hurt you in the long run.”

The priority placed on mental health and total force fitness reflects a generational change for many senior leaders, David said.

“Leaders should include Warrior Care in their toolbox,” David said. “You can’t be the leader you grew up with today in 2021. You have to evolve” in your thoughts and actions about wounded warriors and warrior care.

“You have to be a different leader. What worked 20 to 30 years ago won’t work today.”

Visit the Defense Health Agency Facebook page for more of the interview with David.

In addition to Warrior Care programs and each Service’s treatment programs, Military OneSource provides wounded warrior specialty consultation services to help eligible wounded, ill or injured service members, veterans and their families get immediate assistance for issues related to health care, resources, facilities and benefits. Service members and veterans injured in accidents or battling serious illnesses are also eligible.

For help with thoughts of suicide, contact the Military & Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and select Option 1

You also may be interested in...

Video
Oct 1, 2024

Leading with Grace: How to Support Teammates in a Crisis

Leading with Grace: How to Support Teammates in a Crisis

We all go through tough times. If you think a member of your team might be struggling, there are ways you can help. 1. Start by having a private conversation. Let them know they can talk to you about anything that might be on their mind. Listening and showing empathy can often make a huge difference. 2. If you think they might benefit from talking ...

Video
Sep 12, 2024

Five More Minutes PSA: 60 | Veterans Crisis Prevention | Ad Council

Five More Minutes suicide prevention video

In a new PSA, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter from @TheWarAndTreatyOfficial acknowledge that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling – but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help can be an act of bravery. Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. If you or a Veteran you know needs support, find resources ...

Video
Sep 12, 2024

The Bravest Thing :60 Seconds | Veterans Crisis Prevention | Ad Council

The Bravest Thing suicide prevention video.

It can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling – but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help can be an act of bravery. If you or a Veteran you know needs support, find resources at http://VA.gov/REACH.  If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. ...

Article Around MHS
Aug 22, 2024

Retired U.S. Army 1st Lt. Cameron Kerr: “If your time in the Army is done, find a new mission.”

Retired U.S. Army 1st Lt. Cameron Kerr—pictured here running the 2014 Boston Marathon—was injured in an explosion that eventually led to an amputation of part of his left leg. He enrolled in the Army Recovery Care Program, where he now works. Kerr sees his position as an operations manager under the actions branch at ARCP as a full circle moment.   (Courtesy photo)

The Army Recovery Care Program, formerly Warrior Care and Transition, was a beacon of hope thirteen years ago for Retired U.S. Army 1st Lt. Cameron Kerr, who was injured in an explosion while deployed that would eventually lead to a left leg below-the-knee amputation. The program that helped Kerr recover and overcome is where he now works.

Article Around MHS
Aug 7, 2024

Fort Drum Soldiers in Recovery Experience Posttraumatic Growth Through Innovative Program

U.S. Army soldiers in recovery currently assigned to Fort Drum’s Soldier Recovery Unit walk the labyrinth during the Boulder Crest Foundation’s five-day Struggle Well program at Fort Drum

For soldiers in recovery, the path to healing following trauma can be a long and challenging road. While many focus on the visible physical injuries soldiers endure, the emotional trauma hidden behind the surface can leave a lasting impact if not adequately addressed. Through the Struggle Well program at Fort Drum, New York, soldiers participate is ...

Article Around MHS
Jul 29, 2024

Celebrating One Year with Nalu: How Tripler Army Medical Center’s Facility Dog Makes a Difference to Patients and Staff Alike

Nalu the service dog poses with staff at Tripler Army Medical Center

Nalu, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, is a full-time Tripler Army Medical Center hospital facility dog. He is present in the Child and Family Behavioral Health Service Clinic, where he works alongside Dr. Kathryn Egan, a child psychiatrist, and licensed clinical social workers.

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search
Last Updated: September 28, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery