When Donald Trump took office, he signed an executive order that deemed several mental health conditions as unsuitable for military service. This decision cast a shadow over service members with mental health struggles, leading some to hide their issues rather than seek help.
The order, titled ‘Prioritizing Military Excellence,’ particularly affected transgender troops but also expressed harsh views on mental health disorders. It suggested that many conditions, from eating disorders to bipolar disorder, could disqualify someone from serving. Dr. Stephen Xenakis, a retired Army general and psychiatrist, warned that this could create additional stigma and discourage service members from asking for the help they need.
Military leaders have not clarified how this order impacts troops with mental health conditions. Recently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halted all medical gender-affirming care for transgender troops, linking the decision back to Trump’s order. A Department of Defense official has stated that current policies have not changed.
From 2019 to 2023, over 540,000 active-duty service members were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. In 2023, these disorders led to the highest number of hospitalizations for active-duty members, according to the Defense Health Agency.
While mental health services in the military have expanded, the impact of a diagnosis on a service member’s career can vary. Factors such as whether a mental condition requires ongoing treatment or affects daily functioning play significant roles in determining fitness for duty. The Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03 establishes that recruits should not have medical conditions requiring “excessive” treatment time.
Experts highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues early. Dr. Harold Kudler, a veteran psychiatrist, emphasized that the military’s suicide prevention campaigns focus on encouraging people to speak out about their struggles. Despite this, recent reports indicate a rising trend in suicide rates among active-duty personnel.
Leah Stiles, founder of SEA WAVES, an organization dedicated to helping individuals with eating disorders, expressed concerns about the message sent by the executive order. She believes it creates a sense of hopelessness among service members who may already feel isolated. The stigma surrounding mental health in the military often leads troops to suffer in silence, fearing repercussions for seeking help.
Research shows that eating disorders are prevalent among service members, yet many are reluctant to report their struggles due to the risk of being deemed unfit for duty. Stiles noted that disordered behaviors, like extreme dieting before weigh-ins, have become normalized in military culture. There is a lack of qualified professionals within the military to treat these disorders, further isolating those in need.
The mental health landscape in the military is complex, significantly impacting recruitment efforts. With nearly half of young adults facing mental health issues, the Pentagon has recently expanded eligibility criteria to include individuals with ADHD, allowing them to enlist without a waiver. This shift acknowledges the reality that mental health challenges are common among those of enlistment age.
As recruitment struggles continue, some military leaders suggest a need for supportive programs rather than punitive measures, reflecting a growing understanding that mental health issues require compassionate approaches. Recognizing the challenges in mental health and working to dissolve stigmas could be vital steps toward building a healthier military community.
