An Exploration of Mental Health Help-Seeking Experiences Among Women Combat Veterans

Abstract

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of women combat veterans and their mental health help-seeking experiences. Semi-structured interviews were completed with ten women combat veterans. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, the research sought to understand the phenomena of mental health help-seeking in women who served in combat. Seven themes and one subtheme captured the essence of the phenomena, which were explored through the following questions: “What are the lived experiences of women combat veterans? Also, how have these experiences influenced mental health utilization?” These themes are: 1) Sense of Purpose, 2) Gender Stereotypes and Harassment, 3) Proving Oneself and Earning Respect, 4) Isolation, Subtheme 4a) Sacrifice: Work/Life Balance, 5) The Price of War: Enduring, Unfinished Business, Nostalgia, and Closure, 6) Mental Health Help-Seeking in the Military: Stigma and Risks, and 7) Competent Care, Access to Care, and Continuity of Care. Implications for counselors, counselor educators/supervisors, as well as the relevance of research findings are discussed.