Mental and physical health are equally important components of general health. There is no single cause of mental illness and there are a number of risk factors. It is estimated that 1 in 5 American adults will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Nearly 1 in 4 active duty service members showed signs of a mental health condition (JAMA Psychiatry, 2014). Among active duty troops, mental health-related appointments accounted for approximately 16% of all military medical appointments (DoD, 2018). A higher prevalence of emotional and behavioral difficulties was found among children ages 11 to 17 from military families compared to their peers in the general population. Many people with mental health problems do not seek treatment, including military personnel. Below are the strategies and resources available.

TIPS AND STRATEGIES TO HELP:

Do a self-evaluation of yourself every day. How are you? Do you feel stressed, upset, disconnected, closed off, or self-isolating? Have your eating or sleeping patterns changed?

Don’t forget to check with your child, family member, or co-workers. Watch for any negative changes in your behavior, appearance, or mood. Eg: increased irritability, disheveled appearance, self-isolation, increased tardiness or calls from work.

At home or in the workplace, create an open environment for help-seeking behavior.

Do not minimize, ridicule, or gossip about a person’s mental health problems.

Provide support, reassurance, and encouragement.

Identify resources available through your employee assistance program, community mental health providers, or school counselors/psychologists.

Do not hesitate to seek help for yourself or encourage others to do so, if necessary.

Asking for help takes courage and is not a sign of weakness. Take the first step!

RESOURCES:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741

• NAMI Help Line: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)

• Disaster Help Line: 1-800-985-5990

• Dial 211- visit 211.org if you need help finding food, paying housing bills

access free childcare or other essential services.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224

• National Parent Help Line: 1-855-4A Parents (1-855-427-2736)

MILITARY AND VETERAN RESOURCES:

• Military One Source – Provides program materials and information for military personnel and their families.

http://www.militaryonesource.mil

Toll Free: 1-800-342-9647

TTY/TTD: Dial 711 and provide the toll-free number 1-800-342-9647

• Veterans (VA) Crisis Line: Call 800-273-8255 or text 838255

• DoD/VA Suicide Outreach: http://www.suicideoutreach.org

• Parenting2Go App: Helps veterans and service members reconnect with their children and provides convenient tools to strengthen parenting skills.

AA/NA RESOURCES:

• Alcoholics Anonymous web address: aa.org

• Narcotics Anonymous World Services web address: na.org

• InTheRooms.com: Live AA/NA online meetings

MENTAL HEALTH SMARTPHONE APPS:

advance application

life armor app

Breathe2Relax App

Copyright 2021, Felecia D. Sheffield, PhD., All Rights Reserved in all media.