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In addition to physical well-being, it is also important to focus on our mental well-being. There is much in the news lately on suicide prevention, Traumatic Brain Injury, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, all of which have a special impact on our military families.
TBI and MTBI occur when the head is struck or shaken violently, such as with a fall or an explosion.
PTSD occurs when someone experiences a life-threatening or horrific situation. One may not have experienced any specific change in life circumstance, but may still experience depression, anxiety or phobias. Sadness, loneliness, feelings of being overwhelmed or out-of-control, sleeping too much or too little, feeling angry or irritable any change in personality are just a few of the symptoms that should signal you to seek help.
Just like a high fever and trouble breathing may be symptoms that make you see a doctor, any behavioral health symptoms are equally important signals that it’s time to ask for help.
Many programs are being developed within the military health system for psychological health issues that include prevention, protection, diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
There are many resources at your fingertips to help, and just like clinical preventive health measures, seeking professional help at the first sign of mental distress is very important.
Military OneSource offers counseling and other assistance 24/7 through toll-free numbers and resources found at www.militaryonesource.com.
At www.afterdeployment.org you can find confidential education on issues such as dealing with stress, conflict at work and reconnecting with family and friends.
You can get an anonymous behavioral health self-assessment at www.millitarymentalhealth.org/chooselang.asp.
(Courtesy of Tricare)
