Asking for help can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Asking for help can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’ve been thinking about requesting a mental health evaluation under The Brandon Act, you’ve already taken an important first step by coming here.
Many service members worry about what will happen, what to say, or how others may respond. Those feelings are completely understandable. This Resource Center was created to guide you through the process one step at a time.
You don’t have to have all the answers today.
You only have to take the next step.
Taking the First Step
Requesting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Brandon Act was created to help eligible service members request a mental health evaluation without unnecessary barriers.
Before you begin:
- Remember that asking for help takes courage.
- You do not need to justify why you’re asking for help.
- Be honest about how you’re feeling.
- Focus on taking one step at a time.
You deserve support, and you do not have to face this alone.
Many people wonder what will happen after they ask for help.
Although every situation is different, you can generally expect:
- Your request to be received respectfully.
- Assistance connecting with the appropriate mental health resources.
- An opportunity to speak with a qualified mental health professional.
- Guidance throughout the process.
You don’t have to know everything before making your request. We’ll continue guiding you through each step.
It’s normal to have questions such as:
- “What if people judge me?”
- “Will this affect my career?”
- “Am I asking for help too soon?”
- “What if I don’t know exactly what’s wrong?”
- “What if I change my mind?”
If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, you’re not alone.
Many service members have similar concerns before asking for help. The important thing is not to wait until things become overwhelming.
You don’t need to prepare a perfect speech.
You don’t need to explain everything.
You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis.
You simply need to take the next step.
The Resource Center will help you choose the method that feels most comfortable for making your request.
You don’t have to carry this by yourself. Asking for help is one of the strongest decisions you can make.