Stigma and mental health in the Royal Navy: a mixed methods paper.
BACKGROUND
US research suggests that military personnel suffering from mental health problems are reluctant to seek help because of stigma.


OBJECTIVE
First, to identify the prevalence of mental health stigma beliefs in a UK military sample. Second, to investigate whether distressed personnel report more stigma than those who are not distressed.


METHODS
A survey of 1599 naval personnel was undertaken as part of a larger trial prior to examining the effectiveness of a novel trauma support program.


RESULTS
The presence of internal stigma was substantial and significantly higher for distressed personnel. The prevalence of stigma about other people's mental health problems was low. Junior personnel reported being more uncomfortable in discussing emotional issues with their peer group than senior staff.


CONCLUSIONS
Internal stigma remains a significant barrier to help seeking within the Royal Navy, especially for distressed personnel. This may be especially problematic for junior personnel who are known to be particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems.
Langston
Victoria
V
King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK.
Greenberg
Neil
N
Fear
Nicola
N
Iversen
Amy
A
French
Claire
C
Wessely
Simon
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D009326:Naval Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult