May 24, 2019 Seeking mental health treatment: 49th Maintenance Group chief shares his experience with PTSD “Dealing with a traumatic event from 2011 in Afghanistan, I realize now that I probably needed help long before 2018, but at the time I felt like I’d figured out how to control the ghosts in my head. I forced myself to keep them at bay, and instead of dealing with my problems, I just let them
May 8, 2019 Tech. Sgt. McLean: Overcoming depression Dim lights shined on a dark path as a young man followed his guide toward a wooden elevator, which rested on the edge of a deep, seemingly endless cavern. Nerves begin to take over as the young explorer thought of what was to come. The cart begins its descent into the darkness, becoming immersed in
Nov. 28, 2018 Mental health providers, leadership partner for deployment resiliency, readiness Deployed mental health providers work closely with leadership to help maintain warfighter resiliency and readiness.Service members are away from their usual support systems during deployment, and because the environment and stress puts them in unusual situations, they require innovative and flexible
Nov. 26, 2018 Deploying mental health care downrange Deployed mental health providers play a vital role in delivering medical care downrange, ensuring the health of the warfighter and the mission.Even though service members who deploy are medically ready, both physically and mentally, the rigors of deployment can take a toll.
Sept. 11, 2018 Resilient kids, ready Airmen One thing Airmen worry about when they deploy is the well-being of their family, especially children who may have a hard time coping with the challenges that come with a parent’s deployment.The impact of deployment on children is a key component of Airmen readiness. Knowing their family is well
July 3, 2018 A peek behind the curtain: Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating, but there are therapies that can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and help Airmen return to duty.One of the most effective therapies, practiced by many Air Force mental health professionals, is prolonged exposure therapy.
June 26, 2018 A peek behind the curtain: The first step of PTSD care Perhaps the most difficult part of seeking help for post-traumatic stress disorder is making that first appointment, since Airmen are often unsure of what to expect. Not knowing what to expect from mental health providers can get in the way of effective PTSD treatment.
June 20, 2018 A peek behind the curtain: PTSD barriers and stigmas Effective treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is possible, but many Airmen falsely think seeking medical help for PTSD will hurt their career and will not help them get better. These stigmas and misconceptions create perceived barriers, preventing Airmen from seeking care. Delaying treatment
May 21, 2018 Breaking down the image: Mental health Life in the military can be stressful for anyone from a pipeline Airman to a general officer. Fortunately, the 28th Medical Group Mental Health Clinic provides services for Airmen in need.
May 16, 2018 A day in the life: Mental health supports Airmen, readiness As with any Air Force healthcare provider, Capt. Daniel Gibson, a clinical psychologist with the 92nd medical group, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, relies on a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care.The mental health clinic at Fairchild Air Force Base uses a collaborative approach
May 15, 2018 True North program helps Airmen The newly opened Whiteman Welcome Center serves as a one-stop shop for in-processing appointments, including administrative, financial and medical needs. Freestrom and other new arrivals receive a list required appointments from the center’s staff.
May 15, 2018 Check your ego at the door, be your own advocate Master Sgt. James Stalnaker always thought going to mental health was a deal breaker for your career; that mental issues make you a weaker person. It took encountering struggles of his own to change those views.
May 11, 2018 Mental Health trailblazes new IOP in ACC Moody Air Force Base’s Mental Health Flight refocused its treatment strategy, Feb. 5, by instituting a new intensive outpatient program (IOP) that gives Airmen the help they need from Airmen like themselves.
April 23, 2018 Ready, set, focus: Finding calm in a storm through the power of breathing While circling over foreign seas in bad weather one night, Air Force Maj. William MacVittie and his co-pilot considered whether to return to base or continue on their mission. Fuel was dwindling and the chatter remained constant from the radio. MacVittie took deep breaths; the ability to focus
April 2, 2018 Mental health team provides care with Airmen in mind Life can be stressful.In addition to everyday life, dealing with frequent temporary duty trips, ever-lurking deployments and permanent reassignments from one end of the globe to the next can be both physically and mentally taxing for service members.Often separated from family and social support
Feb. 26, 2018 Mental health flight trains brains Whether patients are coming in for help while going through difficult times, feeling down or thinking of suicide, the mental health flight is always ready to help.
Nov. 20, 2017 Good mental health critical to readiness Mental health is a critical part of every Airman’s medical readiness. Although many service members worry that seeking mental health care will negatively effect their career, the opposite is usually true. With early identification and the right treatment by a medical professional, most mental health
Sept. 29, 2017 Air Force psychologist considers social media’s role in suicide prevention Social media connects us to more people than ever before, but these contacts may not be the type that help build resiliency. Strong interpersonal connections play a critical role in suicide prevention. Used correctly, social media can be an important tool in the suicide prevention toolbox for
Sept. 28, 2017 Be there, be aware: Help prevent suicide When we focus on our health, it’s easy to pay attention to physical health versus mental well-being. Ignoring mental health concerns like anxiety and depression can lead to worsening symptoms and more serious issues. For some people, these issues may include an increased risk of suicide.
Sept. 21, 2017 Suicide Prevention Month raises awareness, promotes understanding Throughout September, organizations across the United States make efforts to raise awareness of a mental health issue affecting many demographics.