Sgt. Maj. Raymond Chandler leads as example of getting help for PTSD

Also on Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler's mind ...
By HEATH DRUZIN
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 4, 2012

On his visit to Afghanistan, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler touched on topics ranging from the disturbing trend of Afghan troops killing their international counterparts to tattoos. Here are some highlights from a reporter’s time with the Army’s top enlisted soldier:

• Suicide: The Army continues to deal with crisis of suicide within the ranks and Chandler urged soldiers to do something if they see a comrade struggling with depression and fight the stigma still attached to seeking help.

“Reach out to them, that’s how we’re going to solve this problem,” he said. “It’s not going to be some poster or ad or video.”

When asked what he would say to soldiers worried about seeking help because they might be discharged from the Army due to mental health problems, Chandler said that was always a possibility, but that getting help was paramount. He pointed to himself as a success story, having gone through two years of treatment for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

“At the end of the day I’m a better husband, I’m a better father, I’m a better person and, ultimately, a better soldier (after treatment),” he said.
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Army Sgt. Major Raymond Chandler III keeps fighting to save lives