Photo By Maj. Dianna Pegeuese | U.S. Air Force Capt. Sheontee Frank, licensed social worker, with the 81st MDOS,...... read more read more
NEJAPA, El Salvador — Being a physician is no easy occupation, especially one that treats patients for psychological issues, also known as behavioral or mental health. One might ask exactly how is behavioral health contributing to the Beyond the Horizon 2015 mission.
The purpose of BTH15 is to provide medical and engineering assistance, in response to the government of El Salvador’s request and requirements. BTH15 allowed U.S. and Salvadoran medical professionals the opportunity to work together and share best practices, while providing medical treatment in areas of need to the Salvadoran populace.
Uniquely incorporated into this year’s BTH 2015 medical campaign, behavioral health is more than likely the first of its kind for BTH missions.
“To our knowledge this is the first time behavioral health has ever been taken into consideration during any BTH humanitarian mission,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Daniel Jacobson, physician and mental health medical chief, 81st Medical Operations Squadron, located at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Behavioral and mental health seems to be a large area that is rarely considered when planning for military humanitarian missions. The focus is normally directed towards the basic day-to-day medical needs of a patient, seldom taking into consideration a patient’s physical health versus their mental health.
“This is something that is not traditionally incorporated into any humanitarian mission and even in the U.S., but being aware of one’s mental health is good in many ways,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lauren Byrd, commander, 56th Medical Support Squadron, stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale. Arizona.
Having the behavioral health team on board for BTH 15, adds tremendous value to the other traditional medical care stations, allowing physicians to see more patients.
“It’s a two-fold process, in this type of setting the physician only has 10-15 minutes before moving on to the next patient,” said Byrd.
During the routine examination if the physician senses the patient requires additional psychological care they are then referred to mental health for further assessment. Medicine is often used to treat certain symptoms, but in some situations that is not always needed when coping with various stressors.
“Sometimes the Salvadorans just want someone discuss the issues they have bottled in,” said Byrd.
When considering a conflict or disaster zone, it’s quite simple to see why mental health is extremely important; mental illness is the most common non-communicable ‘disease’ when mixed with stressors of disasters and conflicts.
“Through research the connection of a individuals emotional intelligence, has been often been directly connected to a individuals physical health,” said Sheontee Frank, clinical social worker, 81st MDOS, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi.
The areas patients are receiving treatment are mostly located in areas where street gangs rule the neighborhoods. This in itself creates a baseline of mental illness without the individual being aware and with a pre-existing illness leading to higher levels of stress, therefore manifesting into a physical issue that requires treatment.
“People are not always aware of their emotional imbalance, and often attribute it to stress, the key is knowing the signs when there is a imbalance, said Frank.
“The biggest factor that is stressing most of the Salvadorans we see, is gang violence, from that they have no one to trust when discussing the issues that effect them most.”
From incorporating simple strategies such as journal writing or talking out their issues with close friends and family to daily exercise. The Salvadorans are better able to cope with life’s challenges, while addressing their physical wellness.
“From our advice and therapy the Salvadorans are able to take back and practice various stress relieving techniques …. it’s like bringing in a book bag and placing life coping strategies in that bag.”
The Salvadorans have been more than grateful for the strategies and techniques taught after seeing the mental health provider. The mental health team has seen some of their patients for follow ups, as well as well as receiving notes expressing their gratitude.
Frank said, “Through this experience it has been a blessing to be able to turn the Salvadorans sadness to happiness …. by sharing these touching moments we have established a connection of trust on all levels.”
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2015 19:28 |
| Story ID: | 165690 |
| Location: | NEJAPA, SV |
| Hometown: | BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Hometown: | DETROIT, MICHIGAN, US |
| Hometown: | GLENDALE, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 155 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Connecting the mind with the body, by MAJ Dianna Pegeuese, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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