New Counseling Hotline Aims to 'DSTRESS' Marines, Families

Photo By Jennifer Brofer | Marines and family members who find themselves battling stress can talk to a trained counselor for free through the “DSTRESS” Line, a Marine Corps-sponsored phone hotline staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Marines and their families can call the hotline at 1-877-476-7734 or visit www.dstressline.com. The service is open to all active duty, retired, reserve and former Marines, as well as their family members and loved ones.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

12.11.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines and family members who find themselves battling stress can talk to a trained counselor for free through the “DSTRESS” Line, a Marine Corps-sponsored phone hotline staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Marines and their families can call the hotline at 1-877-476-7734 or visit www.dstressline.com. The service is open to all active duty, retired, reserve and former Marines, as well as their family members and loved ones.

They can call the number anytime to speak anonymously with professional counselors who may be former Marines, Fleet Marine Force corpsmen or civilian counselors who have specialized training and exposure to Marine Corps culture, according Marine Administrative Message 488/10.

The goal of DSTRESS is to help callers cope with various stressors, whether they are related to work, relationships, deployment or finances – and all calls are confidential.

“A lot of times they just need to vent and need a safe place to vent,” said Navy Lt. David Bradley, chaplain for Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), who provides counseling and spiritual guidance to Marines and sailors. “Sometimes they do need some guidance and some advice.”

DSTRESS is just one of the many resources available to Marines and their families, added Bradley, 44, from Tecumseh, Okla. “It’s amazing, the support system we have in the United States military.”

In addition to DSTRESS, service members and their families can also call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.com.

Editor’s Note: The DSTRESS line (1-877-476-7734) is only available for current and veteran Marines and their families who are located in the following areas: OR, WA, CA, NV, AZ, ID, MT, NM, UT, CO, IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WY, HI, AK AND WEST TEXAS (FORT BLISS, EL PASO AREA)

• Date Taken: 12.11.2010
• Date Posted: 12.12.2010 09:45
• Story ID: 61791
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF