The Army’s recent report of an increase in the suicide rate among soldiers sheds
light on an important public health issue. It also highlights the need to
create greater awareness around the challenges affecting the men and women
serving in our armed forces, as well as the many services being offered by
Department of Defense to address this problem.
One person who is committed to helping service members deal with the stressors
associated with combat and deployment is retired Command Sergeant Major Samuel
Marvin Rhodes Sr.
After 29 years of military service, CSM Rhodes retired last month and has begun
a new chapter in his service to his country and comrades. In dealing with his
own struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), CSM Rhodes has become
an inspiration for members of the military nationwide, sharing his own
experience with veterans and active duty members and encouraging them to
address and seek help for psychological health issues. CSM Rhodes’ advocacy
about the importance of seeking help among members of the military is not only
saving lives, but helping to overcome the stigma associated with mental health
issues.
Rhodes found inspiration in his father, Willie B. Rhodes, a WWII veteran with a
July 4th birthday. His father’s experience in the military instilled a sense of
service in Sam, a passion that has grown beyond the battlefield.
When Sam returned from the war, he found himself struggling with thoughts of
suicide and would often replay scenes of explosions and gunfire in his mind.
“While attending a course at Fort Jackson, it all came full circle when I found
myself crying continuously for about an hour, thinking about those soldiers who
died in Iraq. I had awakened early in the morning from one of the worst dreams
I ever had. It wasn’t really a dream–I was there,” said Sam at a PTSD
professional forum in 2007.
After being diagnosed with PTSD while deployed in 2005, he decided to seek help,
reminding himself how valuable his life is to those who love him. After getting
treatment, Sam found a voice and inspiration within himself to share his story
with other members of the military.
“As a soldier, I know most of the ways to get soldiers to relax and talk,” said
Rhodes. “After [my first group] meeting, I have been encouraged to figure out a
way to get more involved with helping soldiers all across the country.”
Rhodes is reaching out to soldiers by sharing his story via the Mental Health
Self-Assessment Program® (MHSAP), a program of the non-profit
organization, Screening for Mental Health. MHSAP offers veterans, service
members, and their families information on how to manage the stresses that
often accompany deployment and provides self-assessments for a range of mental
health issues. The assessments, which can be accessed at
www.MilitaryMentalHealth.org or by calling 877-877-3647, are free and
anonymous. After completing a self-assessment, individuals receive referral
information including services available to them through the Department of
Defense.
“Soldiers identify best with other soldiers,” said Rhodes. “We need more people
like me to come out and share their stories because those are the people who
get through to members of the military who may need mental health help.” The
Mental Health Self-Assessment program is here to help connect Rhodes and others
like him to fellow service members and veterans that may be suffering silently.
To find out how you can join this effort visit the Mental Health
Self-Assessment website at
www.MentalHealthScreening.org/military.