E59: When and How Military Students’ Self-Esteem May Become an Obstacle in Seeking Professional Mental Health Help When Needed? by Vassiliki Karamanoli

"When and How Military Students’ Self-Esteem May Become an Obstacle in Seeking Professional Mental Health Help When Needed?" by Vassiliki Karamanoli examines how self-esteem and social stigma impact the willingness of Greek military students to seek professional mental health services. Research indicates that while these students often acknowledge the effectiveness of psychological support, they frequently avoid it due to fears of appearing weak or damaging their careers. Interestingly, the findings suggest that high self-esteem among trainees can actually serve as a barrier, as it reinforces a social identity of strength that views seeking help as a violation of military virtues. Consequently, both self-stigma and public stigma negatively correlate with the intention to access care, even when individuals face significant emotional distress. The author concludes that targeted psychoeducation and supportive leadership are essential to decouple the pursuit of mental wellness from perceptions of professional failure. You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/self-esteem-stigma-and-attitudes-concerning-seeking-mental-help-in-the-military-environment/ #podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth