Social Work Commons^™

A Safe Place For Soldiers, Marysol Diaz

MSW Capstones

After separating from the service, soldiers often have a difficult time reentering the civilian world. These difficulties become evident in their work place, family environment, with their finances, and through engagement in unlawful behavior due to mental instability, among other factors. The military’s culture of stigmatizing seeking help with mental issues as a sign of “weakness” leaves soldiers vulnerable after separation. Academic research and key informants give insight into the need for making resources more readily available to soldiers. Combining Orem’s Self-Care and Planned Behavioral theories will help change the views of military personnel on mental health and diffuse their …