It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Marines have tough and challenging duties— even in non-combat areas. Marines experiencing distress are very individualized. What might be experienced as a minor setback to some may be perceived as a significant event to others. It can even be difficult to recognize your own stress reactions, injuries, and illnesses, especially while in operational settings. It’s important to identify signs of stress -- in yourself, in another Marine, or even in family members experiencing stressors.

Tools for Stress Reactions

• Seek help early. Find support from a corpsman, or speak to a chaplain for confidentiality.
• Self-aid or buddy aid (see COSC, OSCAR, and UMAPIT 3.0).
• Definitive medical treatment via medical clinic or hospital on the installation, medical personnel or a counselor, including Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) on base: www.usmc-mccs.org/index.cfm/services/support/information-and-referral
• Marine Corps DSTRESS Line 24/7 (anonymous): 1-877-476-7734. Marines may also visit www.dstressline.com which is a confidential resource 24 hours a day for Marines, attached Sailors, and families to speak anonymously with active-duty Marines, veteran Marines, licensed counselors, and others who understand Marine culture.
• Military Crisis Line call 24/7: 1-800-273-8255, press 1, text 838255 or chat https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/military-crisis-line to connect with people & resources that can help.