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Breaking Stigma Through Laughter: Navy Expands “1 Degree of Separation” Mental Health Initiative in Phase Two

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December 4, 2025 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON – Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Navy Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) commitment to enhancing the quality of life for personnel and  strengthen its commitment to mental health awareness as the Navy’s “1 Degree of Separation” initiative enters its second phase, running from Fall 2025 through 2026. A partnership between Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Navy Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP) and the international touring group “1 Degree of Separation,” the initiative uses humor as a bridge to spark open conversations about depression, suicide and the shared struggles that too often remain in the shadows.

Phase 1 of the initiative reached Sailors, families and Department of War (DoW) civilians at 30 installations worldwide, delivering 72 events and engaging nearly 7,400 participants. Building on that strong foundation, Phase 2 expands the program further, with 36 installations across nine Navy regions committed to hosting shows. Seven events have already taken place, each serving as a hub for community connection, storytelling and healing.

The “1 Degree of Separation” series blends stand-up comedy with personal storytelling to create a space where difficult conversations feel approachable and deeply human. During each show, the cast blends humor with candid storytelling, bringing their signature mix of comedy and connection to audiences across the fleet before shifting into an open “Five Questions” discussion about depression, coping and community support. This segment encourages Sailors to self-reflect, recognize shared experiences and better understand how mental health challenges can affect themselves and those around them.

“We are all professional comics, and we use our own experiences in depression to bring up an open dialogue and show what a vulnerable conversation looks like,” said Sydney Stigerts, comedian and Team Lead for “1 Degree of Separation.” “We are trying to kill the stigma around mental illness, and I feel like for people who may be dealing with depression, it is a perfect way to feel connected.”

For Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Apprentice (ATAA) Keyshuan Steele, the experience was both introspective and empowering. “My biggest takeaway is being able to self-reflect on what other people do to help and hinder me and what I do to help and hinder myself,” he said. Steele also recommended offering similar events earlier in a Sailor’s career, such as during “A” and “C” Schools.

As Phase 2 continues, installations across the fleet are welcoming the series and its unique approach to mental health outreach. Each performance reinforces a message of resilience, vulnerability and community, reminding audiences that mental health challenges are not faced alone. The events give Sailors, families and other members of the Navy FFR community meaningful opportunities to connect, reflect and better recognize signs of struggle in themselves or others.

The Navy’s proactive approach to mental health includes multiple supportive programs, such as SAIL (Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life). In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, SAIL received 3,213 referrals, with a 64% acceptance rate and 1,592 Sailors successfully completed the program. These outcomes highlight the program’s significant reach and impact—thousands of Sailors were connected to critical support, and more than 1,500 successfully navigated the full continuum of care.

This upward trend reflects a growing willingness among service members to seek help when they need it, a positive cultural shift that aligns with the goals of “1 Degree of Separation.” By encouraging early intervention and reducing stigma, the Navy continues to strengthen resilience and reinforce its commitment to the well-being of its force

Together, these efforts demonstrate the Navy’s commitment to fostering open conversations about mental health and strengthening the wellbeing of the fleet. By creating programs that blend authenticity, humor and support, the Navy continues to build a culture where Sailors feel connected, understood and empowered to seek help when they need it.

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