Memorial Day Salute: Here's to Our Soldiers' Mental and Emotional Fitness

I love the pool and a BBQ as much as the next person, but on Memorial Day it’s appropriate to pause and appreciate those who have given their lives in service of our nation. This Memorial Day, I am thinking of my dear friend, neighbor and former dog-walker, Marsalis, a sweet, naïve 18 year old boy who is in basic training as we speak. What will he see when sent off to duty? How will he feel losing friends in battle? Will I ever see him again?

As I consider the pains and triumphs that Marsalis may experience, I am grateful that our soldiers are now being trained in “Mental Toughness” (aka: Positive Psychology). Called “Master Resilience Training” (MRT), my University of Pennsylvania professors, Dr. Marty Seligman and Dr. Karen Reivich, along with dozens of their colleagues, designed the course in 2009 and are now rolling it out to all 1.1 million American soldiers. Think about it – soldiers endure rigorous physical training – why not mental and emotional training too?

MRT trains soldiers in emotional, social, family, and spiritual wellness. MRT teaches resilience tools to overcome the harsh mental realities soldiers face. Consider this - when the Army approached Penn in 2008, suicide, depression, divorce and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) rates were at an all time high. Something had to be done to help soldiers maintain mental toughness in war, cope with wounds and lost friends, and learn how to re-integrate with their loved ones once returning home. Fortunately, the training is seeing positive results, though it is early and research is in progress.

Positive psychology trains us to live to our fullest potential through all circumstances. You and I may not be at war, but we face challenges every day that require us to be mentally and emotionally fit.

So on this Memorial Day, I’m thinking of Marsalis. I’m thinking of those who have given their lives. And I’m thinking of those who are GIVING their lives in service of our nation. I pray that they maintain their mental and emotional fitness, that they receive the love of their families and our nation, and that they experience health and growth through their dutiful service.

“Happy” Memorial Day Everyone!