As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, a significant initiative is gaining traction within the Navy community, aimed at enhancing mental health access and warfighter readiness. This initiative, known as the Mental Health Roadmap, is the brainchild of Dr. Moriah Nissan, a cancer biologist, and her collaborators, who have taken a grassroots approach to address the pressing need for clear pathways to mental health care.
The Birth of the Mental Health Roadmap
Dr. Nissan developed the Mental Health Roadmap while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, from 2019 to 2021, while supporting her husband, Cmdr. David Nissan, who now serves as the Psychiatry Residency Program Director at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). The motivation for this roadmap stemmed from a tragic suicide on a Yokosuka-based ship, coupled with rising stress levels within the forward-deployed community. Dr. Nissan recognized the confusion and stigma often associated with seeking mental health assistance and decided to create a resource that would demystify the process.
“Mental health awareness isn’t about convincing people that it matters—they already know that,” said Dr. Nissan. “It’s about removing the barriers: the confusion, the stigma, and the fear that asking for help could harm a career.”
Initially, the Mental Health Roadmap started as an informative social media post but quickly gained attention due to its pertinent and relatable content. Collaborating with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kylie Mallory-Halter, Dr. Nissan worked to clarify available mental health resources, including confidentiality protections and reporting thresholds. The information was soon endorsed by high-ranking officials within the Navy medical community.
A Collective Effort for Change
Capt. Tara Smith, who currently serves as Senior Clinical Advisor and Chief of Force Resiliency of the Marine and Family Division at Headquarters Marine Corps, leveraged Dr. Nissan’s original post as the foundation for the official Mental Health Roadmap, which has now been disseminated fleet-wide. This effort signifies not only a response to the immediate need for clear mental health resources but also marks an evolution within the Navy’s approach to mental health care.
“The Navy has evolved significantly since I joined in 1999, when people were terrified to be seen talking to the ship ‘Psych-O,’” Capt. Smith reflected. Fast forward to the present, and the Navy has made strides in reducing barriers to care, improved messaging, and provided a plethora of resources thanks to the Mental Health Roadmap. It has enabled Sailors and Marines to better navigate available resources and receive the necessary services with ease.
Dr. Nissan acknowledges the importance of collaboration within military circles, noting, “There are two ways to get things done in the military: the official channels and the unofficial ones—the spouse network.” This sentiment underscores the vital role military spouses play in advocating for the well-being of service members and their families.
Warfighter Readiness and Family Wellness
Cmdr. Nissan emphasized the operational impact of the Mental Health Roadmap on service members: “It encourages Sailors to seek help at the most appropriate level, ensuring they get the right type of support quickly.” This approach not only aids individuals but also alleviates the burden on the medical system by guiding individuals toward the appropriate resources, such as chaplains or resilient counselors.
The influence of the Mental Health Roadmap has reached beyond the naval fleet’s adults. Educational institutions, such as the David G. Farragut DoDEA School and Naval Hospital Rota in Spain, have developed their own versions called the Student Support Roadmap, inspired by Dr. Nissan’s original concept. This initiative is aimed at military children exposed to unique challenges, including relocations and parental deployments. Scheduled for implementation in January 2025, it emphasizes early intervention and aims to destigmatize mental health support for younger generations.
Feedback from leaders across the Navy indicates that the Mental Health Roadmap has significantly improved communication about mental health resources. Ship commanders have personally reached out to Dr. Nissan to express their appreciation for the clarity and support the tool has provided to their crews and families.
“I didn’t expect it to grow legs,” Dr. Nissan remarked, reflecting on the unexpected reach of her original post. “But it did—because it met a need. It shows how important it is to listen to your community and work together to solve problems.”
Looking Ahead
The Navy’s commitment to prioritizing mental health as a crucial component of warfighter lethality and readiness is evident through initiatives like the Mental Health Roadmap and its subsequent legacy in tools like the Student Support Roadmap. These resources are pivotal in normalizing the act of seeking help, sustaining family wellness, and preserving the operational strength of the Navy.
As our understanding of mental health continues to evolve, so too does the necessity for effective communication and accessible resources. For more information on mental health resources provided by the Navy, including the Mental Health Playbook, individuals can visit the official Navy HR website. Alternatively, to learn more about services available at NMCSD, you can explore their mental health resources online.
By embracing comprehensive mental health initiatives and cultivating community support, the Navy is not only improving the lives of its service members but also enhancing the overall readiness and resilience of its forces. As we raise awareness this May, let us all take a moment to reflect on how we can contribute to the ongoing effort to create a culture where seeking help is not just accepted, but encouraged.
