Donald Trump called for robust mental health services for veterans in a Monday speech, even as he suggested that victims of post-traumatic stress disorder and combat-related suicide aren’t as “strong” as their comrades.
“People come back from war and combat and they see things that maybe a lot of the folks in this room have seen many times over,” Trump said in an address to the Retired American Warriors in Herndon, Virginia. “And you’re strong and you can handle it, but a lot of people can’t handle it.”
He went on to call for stronger mental health initiatives for veterans, promising a “very, very robust level of performance having to do with mental health.”
Trump’s comments come amid an effort to destigmatize mental health issues in the military.
“There’s nothing weak about asking for help,” President Barack Obama said during a CNN presidential town hall last week.
“There’s no weakness in asking for help.” —@POTUS on destigmatizing mental health issues #ObamaTownHall https://t.co/MCah68Aqfl
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 29, 2016
Paul Rieckhoff, the founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, took to Twitter on Monday to respond to Trump’s comments.
This is what right looks like on PTSD/vet suicide from a commander-in-chief–or from anyone who wants the job next year. @anamariecox @IAVA https://t.co/IRLTcShX0e
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
Yeah, this part is not helpful. “Being strong” and/or “being able to handle it” is the wrong message on PTSD/suicide and perpetuates stigma. https://t.co/Ev3rUuueeA
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
Every national leader has a responsibility to use accurate and appropriate language when talking about mental health and suicide especially.
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
Terms like “killing yourself” or “mental problems”, or any any suggestion that suicide only impacts the weak, perpetuates stigma…
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
…it can also promote contagion and may discourage people from getting help for mental health injuries. Getting help is a sign of strength.
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
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