Facebook presence has increased online program participation by 127%
Service personnel and their family members use online social networks like
Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch and feel connected. Now they can also use
these sites to find resources for mental health issues.
Military Pathways – a program funded by the Department of Defense – is using
online social networks like Facebook and Twitter to reduce stigma, promote
help-seeking, and spread the word about the availability of free, anonymous
mental health and alcohol use self-assessments for military personnel and their
family members.
By using social networking sites, Military Pathways is widening its reach, and
sharing important information in a comfortable setting where military personnel
and their families already spend time.
The Military Pathways Facebook campaign, launched in March of this year has
already proven to be an effective tool in raising awareness of military mental
health programs and services while increasing the number of screened users.
Through both an ad campaign (where users click directly to take the online
screening) and a Fan Page (where users can demonstrate their support and learn
more), the Military Pathways program has seen a 127% increase in online
screenings.
As “fans” of the Military Pathways program, military personnel and their family
members learn more about mental health issues and available resources, watch
videos, and hear stories of those who have been helped by the program.
So far, more than 2,000 people are fans of Military Pathways. They are military
spouses, service members, veterans, advocates, organizers and other supporters
of the cause. Through Facebook, they have actively joined the conversations
about anxiety and mood disorders, deployment, the difficulties of returning
home after war, and how relationships with loved ones have changed. They are
posting comments, starting discussions, and relaying support to those in need.
“I think it’s great that more and more military personnel are speaking out
about this and bringing awareness to this subject,” said fan Shirley B. in
response to a video posted about combat stress.
Another fan, Xiomara S., says, “I can not express how much I support this
effort and how important and relevant I know it is.”
Many fans share their personal experiences, in order to help others. Fan Kyle G.
says, “Wished my dad would have had the help he needed – leave no soldier
behind – we all have had a touch of this.”And James S. shared, “Seeking help is
not a weakness… It is not something to take on by yourself! We got your
back!”
To learn more about the Military Pathways program, please visit
www.mentalhealthscreening.org/military or join us on Facebook and
Twitter.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Military-Pathways/151001070466
http://www.twitter.com/militarypathway
If you are feeling lost, anonymous mental health and alcohol screenings are
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
www.MilitaryMentalHealth.org or by calling 877-877-3647.