Thank you for publishing Nikki Racquel Smith's "Take Off the Mask: Getting Real About Depression, Trauma, and Loss" (Reflections, April). I have also felt like I was the only one-the weak mother and military nurse who could not find a work-life balance. Over 15 years of trauma, loss, and heartache, I was still always there to take care of others. I now see the strength and courage in being present and asking for help. We need to stop pretending we are okay when we are not, but taking off a mask can be hard when you have been wearing one for so long. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. This is a stigma that the military needs to get away from. The Department of Defense has been researching and implementing mindfulness techniques to help with chronic pain,1 as well as other stress reduction techniques and apps for breathing and meditation; but as an organization and as military nurse leaders we need to do better. As a mother, a military officer, and a nurse, taking care of myself is the only way I can continue to take care of others. That is one of the hardest lessons I have had to learn.

Hope Van Fleet, RN

Rockville, MD

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