JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Herschel Walker, Heisman Trophy recipient and mental health advocate, spoke to U.S. Service members about his life with a mental health disorder on and off the football field at the Jacobs Theater on Fort Eustis and the Community Commons on Langley Air Force Base, Sept. 16-17.
After playing football for over 16 years, Walker recognized a personal need to seek behavioral health assistance when his wife expressed concerns about his mental state.
"One day, there was a guy who was going to do something for me; however, he was [wasting] my time. I thought I was going to kill him," said Walker. "I went back to my wife and told her something is wrong with me ... I needed some help."
With the support of loved ones, Walker sought help. He was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, a condition in which at least two distinct identities alternately control the patient's behavior. After the diagnosis, Walker recognized several instances in his life where he felt the urge to hurt someone.
Looking back on his life, he encouraged military members to keep faith and seek assistance when things don't "feel right." Walker said he believes military members put others first, ensuring the quality in America's military.
"The United States military is the best," said Walker. "The reason this country is the way it is today is because of [Service members]. You give us the freedom we have, so thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak."
Even though they put themselves first, Walker assured Service members that seeking help does work.
"Sometimes people are too ashamed of what is going in their lives and only want to hide it, but if you or someone you know is hurting, get yourself or them the help they need," said Walker. "There is no shame in asking for help. I am living proof."
While at JBLE, Walker toured the 1st Fighter Wing, worked out with Service members at the Shellbank Fitness Center at Langley and spoke to Service members at Fort Eustis.
For more information about resiliency resources, visit http://www.jble.af.mil/resiliencydirectory.asp.