Dr. Darnell A. Durrah

In the military, a “Circle X” designation on equipment faults allows for limited, temporary use of gear that would otherwise be out of commission. It’s a calculated risk, a stopgap measure to keep things moving when the mission depends on it. But here’s the catch: Circle X is not a permanent solution. Prolonged reliance on faulty equipment under this status can lead to bigger failures, greater risks, and even catastrophic outcomes.

The same holds true for our mental and emotional well-being. Mentally “Circle X’ing” ourselves—overriding underlying emotions or thoughts for the sake of short-term functionality—might seem like a practical solution in the moment. However, just as with equipment, this strategy often limits us, preventing true growth and repair. Instead of serving us, it creates cycles of avoidance and dysfunction that hinder our long-term health and success.

The Mental Cost of Circle X

At first glance, overriding uncomfortable emotions—like fear, guilt, sadness, or anger—might seem like a practical way to “stay in the fight.” But when this becomes a default pattern, it creates significant challenges:

• Stunted Growth: Just as unrepaired equipment never reaches its full potential, unresolved emotions keep us stuck in place. Avoidance prevents learning, healing, and resilience.
• Increased Stress: Suppressing emotions takes energy—energy that could be used for productivity, relationships, and personal growth. Over time, the strain compounds, leading to burnout or breakdown.
• False Stability: A Circle X mentality creates the illusion of functionality, but it’s a fragile state. One unexpected stressor or trigger can bring everything crashing down.

When we rely too much on mental Circle X’s, we may survive the moment but miss the opportunity to resolve deeper issues, leaving us in a cycle of short-term fixes.

Breaking the Pattern

True readiness—mentally, emotionally, and physically—requires moving beyond temporary overrides. Addressing emotional “faults” means confronting them head-on and taking deliberate steps toward healing. But where do you start when those feelings feel foreign or overwhelming?

Therapy provides a pathway forward.

Therapy: Moving Beyond Circle X

Therapy isn’t just for major crises; it’s a proactive way to address underlying issues and prevent long-term emotional wear. In the military, therapy can take many forms, and it doesn’t always start in a traditional therapist’s office. Here are some key resources available to service members and their families:

• First-Line Leaders & Leadership: Being honest with your leadership can open doors to tailored support. Leaders often have firsthand knowledge of resources and can guide you toward them.
• Chaplains: Chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support in a safe, nonjudgmental space. They can help you explore feelings and challenges you might be avoiding.
• Military OneSource: A 24/7 resource offering confidential counseling and practical support for issues ranging from stress management to family challenges.
• Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs): Embedded in military communities, MFLCs provide short-term, solution-focused counseling for individuals and families.
• Behavioral Health Services: These professionals specialize in addressing deeper issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use, helping you tackle the root causes of your struggles.

Each of these resources plays a role in helping you confront the issues you’ve been overriding, providing tools to repair and rebuild.

Transparency is Key

Breaking free from a Circle X mentality starts with honesty:

1. With Yourself: Acknowledge the emotions and thoughts you’ve been avoiding. Are they trying to tell you something? Are they pointing to a deeper need?
2. With Others: Whether it’s a first-line leader, a chaplain, or a behavioral health professional, transparency allows others to provide the right support.
3. With the Process: Healing takes time, effort, and vulnerability. Commit to the process, even when it feels uncomfortable or slow.

Moving Forward

When we continually Circle X ourselves, we limit our ability to grow, heal, and thrive. Temporary overrides might get us through a tough moment, but they don’t serve us well in the long run. To truly address the challenges we face, we must move beyond avoidance and commit to repair—just as we would for any piece of mission-critical equipment.

The good news? Help is always within reach. Whether you connect with a chaplain, reach out to Military OneSource, or sit down with a behavioral health professional, you have the power to move past the limitations of a Circle X mentality. You deserve to operate at your full capacity—not just for the mission, but for yourself and the people who depend on you.

It’s time to let go of the temporary override and embrace the journey toward true readiness.

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About Dr. Darnell Durrah