Hi everyone, my name is Adriana, and I’m sharing my story with the hope of making a difference. As someone who served in the National Guard, I know firsthand the challenges and stigma around seeking mental health support in the military. It took me over three years to finally reach out for help. I tried handling everything by myself, but I learned the hard way that we all need support.

It's time for a change. We need to address the stigma that prevents our service members and veterans from accessing the mental health care they desperately need. The repercussions of staying silent are real and devastating, and I refuse to let my brothers and sisters in arms suffer alone. We should be encouraging open dialogue and making mental health resources readily available and accessible to those in need.

During my journey, I found solace in organizations like the Headstrong Project, where service members receive anonymous, free therapy sessions. However, these resources need more visibility and support to reach everyone who needs them. Normalizing mental health care in the military can save lives, but we must take action.

I am calling on military leaders, policymakers, and veterans' organizations to establish comprehensive mental health programs, eliminate stigma, and promote resources actively. Our heroes deserve the respect and care to handle both visible and invisible wounds.

Join me in making mental health support a priority for our armed forces. Please sign this petition to demand systemic changes that promote a healthier, more supportive environment for all our service members. Together, let's break down the barriers and refuse to let stigma dictate our lives.