Combat stress control helps Soldiers learn to deal

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lindquist, a Chanhassen, Minn., native, who serves as the noncommissioned officer in charge and an occupational therapy assistant with the 785th Medical Company's Combat Stress Control Fitness Team, which currently supports the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad, completes a patient's evaluation at the CSC center at Camp Liberty March 4.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.07.2008

Courtesy Story

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

By Pfc. Samantha Schutz
Multi-National Division - Baghdad Public Affairs

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – In order to make sure they stay fit for battle, deployed Soldiers know they must seek treatment for illnesses and injuries, like a cold or a sprained ankle, by going to sick call.

There are some afflictions sick call can't cure, however; combat stress, including depression, personality disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, is common amongst deployed troops, and the 785th Medical Company's Combat Stress Control Fitness Team is here to help Soldiers deal with combat stress-related issues.

"It's important for Soldiers to address their problems while they're small in order to prevent the development of larger problems later," said Maj. Chris Ivany, a native of Killeen, Texas, who serves as the division psychiatrist for the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

The 785th Med. Co. has prevention teams and restoration sites spread throughout the MND-B area of operations, so help is readily available to Soldiers no matter where they are.

There are currently 11 different prevention teams, consisting of three or more people from the 785th Med. Co., which currently supports the 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B, spread throughout the division's area of operations, said Spc. Lindsey Gunning, a Gonvick, Minn., native, who serves as a mental health specialist with the 785th Med. Co.

"Prevention teams try to meet Soldiers where they're at," Gunning said. "They try to bring mental health to them."

"If you can help the Soldier where he is, you're more likely to reduce the effects of his issues and enhance the unit's combat power," Ivany added.

The 785th Med. Co.'s prevention teams work closely with MND-B's brigade-level behavioral health officers. Without help from these supporting prevention teams, the brigades' officers are able to see approximately 1,500 Soldiers each month. With the 785th Med. Co.'s support, including the programs and classes they offer, nearly 4,000 Soldiers each month are able to talk about their stress issues, said Ivany.

By talking to Soldiers at different combat outposts and forward operating bases, the trained counselors with the prevention teams can help educate Soldiers about their underlying feelings to reduce the potential of the stress having a negative effect on their lives, explained Gunning.

"We can act as a sounding board for (the Soldiers)," Gunning said.

Sometimes the prevention teams meet a Soldier who they think needs more intensive treatment than they can offer in the field. In this case, they make a recommendation to the Soldier's chain of command for the Soldier to attend a three-day program at one of the restoration sites, located here and at Camp Anaconda. There is also an outpatient clinic available at Camp Victory.

The purpose of the three-day program is to train Soldiers to better identify and deal with the issues that cause their stress. During the three days, the patient attends therapeutic classes and speaks with a psychiatrist, said Gunning.

"Our main mission is to keep the Soldiers with their units. We take them into the program, try to give them the tools to cope and get them back to their mission," Gunning said.

In addition to one-on-one counseling, the restoration sites offer a variety of classes for Soldiers interested in improving their mental health. Stress management, anxiety, positive thinking and goal setting are just some of the topics covered by the CSC team at Camp Liberty's site.

One issue that has caused a lot of stress for Soldiers recently is the common occurrence of multiple deployments, said Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lindquist, a Chanhassen, Minn., native, who serves as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 785th Med. Co.'s CSC Fitness Team and an occupational therapy assistant.

"A lot of people are getting deployed so many times, and they're not getting enough time to spend with their Family in between," Lindquist said. "It's really taking its toll."

Homefront issues, such as financial trouble or arguments with a spouse, post-traumatic stress disorder and problems getting along with other Soldiers in the unit are some other common issues, added Gunning.

Oftentimes, the redundancy of a long deployment can have a negative effect as well, said Gunning.

There are many things a Soldier can do to avoid becoming complacent when the mission starts to seem redundant.

"Keep your old hobbies if you can," Gunning suggested. "Occupy yourself, and don't forget to talk to people."

Many Soldiers use exercise as a stress-reliever as well, added Sgt. Callen Weispfennig, a Glenwood, Minn., native, who serves as an occupational therapy assistant with the 785th Med. Co.

"The endorphin release from aerobic exercise is very similar to certain antidepressants that we prescribe here," Weispfennig said.

Everyone copes with stress in different ways. The goal of the 785th Med. Co. is helping Soldiers learn what way is most effective for them so they can channel their stress in a positive way, said Gunning.

For more information about the Camp Liberty Combat Stress Control restoration site's class schedule, Soldiers may visit their office, which is located in building C 70, next to Witmer Troop Medical Center, or call 302-242-4642 (VOIP) or 318-847-2432 (DSN), 24 hours a day.

• Date Taken: 03.07.2008
• Date Posted: 03.07.2008 19:39
• Story ID: 17135
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ