U.S. Congressmen Brian Mast (FL-18) and Scott Peters (CA-52) introduced a bipartisan resolution to reduce the stigma that prevents veterans and servicemembers from seeking mental health care. The legislation would designate June as National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Awareness month and June 27th as National PTSI Awareness Day.
“Rarely does a day go by when I don’t talk to a veteran who is struggling with their own self-worth,” Rep. Mast said. “While the physical wounds may heal, the mental toll of war follows many servicemembers home. Removing the stigma around mental health is critical to making sure our brothers and sisters in arms feel safe seeking help in their fight against post-traumatic stress.”
“Ask a servicemember about their injuries, and they will likely show you the visible scars sustained from their service. What they are more reluctant to share are mental scars – the less visible but equally as harmful injuries,” Rep. Peters said. “When 20 of our nation’s heroes die from suicide each day, it’s evident we must break the stigma associated with accessing mental health treatment and embolden our veterans to seek help when they need it.”
Congressmen Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) and John Katko (NY-24) joined in introducing this resolution, and Senators Dan Sullivan (AK) and Tammy Baldwin (WI) introduced a companion in the Senate.
The resolution can be found here.
