The Army is promoting mental health during May, which is celebrated as Mental Health Month under the sponsorship of Mental Health America, formerly known as the National Mental Health Association. The theme for 2008 is ìGet Connected,î emphasizing the valuable support people gain by connections with family, friends, community and mental health professionals.
ìYears of research have shown that individuals who feel valued and cared for are better equipped to deal with stress and adversity, and even experience less severe illnesses than those with little social support,î said David Shern, president and CEO of Mental Health America.
ìThe importance of Mental Health Month is to raise public awareness of mental health being a significant medical issue in this country,î said Col. C. J. Diebold. ìIt should be used as a springboard to raise continuous awareness. Mental illness is a medical disease for which effective treatments are available.î Diebold is chief of psychiatry at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, and has been designated as the Army Surgeon Generalís expert consultant for psychiatry.
Last year Army leaders took the unusual step of ordering a chain teaching program throughout the Army. Some 900,000 Soldiers of all ranks were taught how to recognize and respond to symptoms of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of special importance was command emphasis to counter a perception that Soldiers who seek mental health services are weak or malingerers.
The Army has addressed this in multiple ways. Mental health resources have been increased at all installations, in addition to resources such as Military One Source. Mental health support is provided throughout the deployment cycle. Soldiers are screened and provided care as needed before, during and after deployment. Families are taken care of, too,î Diebold said.
All deploying Soldiers receive ìBattlemindî training to help them prepare for the stresses they face in combat, and another round of training to help them adjust to returning home. There is Battlemind training for families, too.
Military One Source is a 24-hour, toll-free telephone hot line to connect military service members with a variety of support services. By calling 1-800-342-9647, Soldiers or Family members can arrange civilian mental health counseling without charge.
Information for Soldiers and Families is available at the site www.behavioralhealth.army.mil on the World Wide Web.
E-Mail This Article
Print This Story