Pete Hegseth’s appointment to lead the Department of Defense involved the slimmest of margins and required the tie-breaking vote of Vice President JD Vance, 51-50. However, this was not before allegations of public drunkenness on one hand and sexual assault and spousal abuse on the other surfaced. Of course, even if true, these could be isolated incidents that do not affect his ability to perform in Trump’s Cabinet.
But what if the two behaviors are symptoms of a deeper, more serious psychological condition? What if this decorated combat veteran who commanded a platoon effectively cannot handle a cabinet-level post for the second largest employer in the world, because he is beset by overwhelming professional responsibilities and irrevocable personal chaos?
Twenty-five years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I also struggled with a drinking problem. Shortly thereafter, I was manic and inebriated when I got into a fight and was arrested for simple assault. I did my time, apologized to my one-time adversary and vowed never to resort to violence again. Interestingly, mental illness and substance abuse together has its own name: co-occurring disorder.
Could Hegseth have co-occurring disorder? Only a physician can diagnose that. Allegations of sexual assault and spousal abuse might indicate a mental illness, and allegations of public drunkenness might indicate substance abuse. If substantiated, co-occurring disorder can be treated with psychotropic medication, complete abstinence and talk therapy. I went down that route, and it made all the difference. If Hegseth willingly underwent treatment, it would speak highly of him, whatever the specific diagnosis.
For me, two dead ends meant only one way out: school. But, out of the frying pan, into the fire: a crushing academic courseload and overwhelming co-occurring disorder. After two uninspiring semesters — nearly failing and borderline symptomatic — the department head hauled me into his office: “Jason, pursue other career alternatives!” No constructive criticism, no positive feedback. Similarly, at Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, some senators were clearly out for blood, declaring him professionally unqualified and even morally bankrupt.
After my own meeting, I had a Eureka! moment: “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” What did Nietzsche mean by that? If we want to grow and progress, oftentimes only overcoming the most challenging of trials by fire will give us positive outcomes.
I started soul-searching: “How badly do I want this degree? To what length will I go to graduate?” What kind of Eureka! moment will the embattled Hegseth have? Will he engage in soul-searching, now that this country is counting on him?
After being chewed out, I painstakingly cultivated my early sobriety and fledgling mental health, while I deliberately devoted all my time and effort to school. My bipolar disorder went into remission, and I have been sober for almost 18 years. Getting all A’s became a habit, and I transitioned into a better department. Ultimately, I went the distance to earn my PhD. My point here is that I am not concerned about Hegseth’s past performance. I am concerned about his future performance. To excel at this post, he must conquer his personal demons and excel at his professional obligations. No ifs, ands or buts.
Hegseth may go down in history as a visionary leader who bolstered the Pentagon’s standing to friends and foes throughout the world. Or he may go down like a lead balloon. The gravity of the task before Hegseth is great, and it is very much in doubt how the future will judge his stewardship.
This article originally was published in the Trib Live digital newspaper on January 31, 2025.
Please click on the link below to read the original version of this article:
Jason W. Park: Hey Hegseth — for Pete’s sake, get a Eureka! moment | TribLIVE.com
Jason W Park, a writer based in Los Angeles, penned the memoir, “Bliss + Blues = Bipolar: A Memoir Of My Ups and Downs Living with Bipolar Disorder.” He earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.”
