Shattering Mental Health Stigmas: Darryl Howell's Naval Journey
Take advantage of those resources and talk to somebody.
Imagine dedicating 30 years of your life to serving in the Navy, only to find yourself battling mental health stigmas that make an already challenging job even harder. In this episode of 'Untold Valor', Darryl Howell, a former Surface Warfare Officer, opens up about his experiences and the hurdles faced by military personnel when it comes to mental health.
Darryl's story is one of perseverance and resilience, highlighting the emotional toll of being away from family for extended periods and the mental strain it places on service members. He wasn't there when his daughter was born, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform. Despite these challenges, Darryl emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and personal relationships in overcoming destructive behaviors.
He shares how he would hold afloat culture workshops to provide resources and support to sailors struggling with mental health issues. His message is clear: it takes a community to support those who are struggling. Darryl also reflects on how the Navy has made strides in recent years to reduce mental health stigmas and improve outcomes for its sailors.
He encourages service members and veterans to take advantage of the resources available to them and stresses the importance of talking to someone about their struggles. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health support in the military community and offers valuable insights for anyone facing similar challenges. Tune in to hear Darryl's inspiring story and learn more about the resources available to service members and veterans.