Courtesy Photo | In recognition of May being observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, the South...... read more read more
Subscribe
COLUMBIA, S.C. – In recognition of May being observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, the South Carolina National Guard emphasizes resources available and advice on practicing mental health care for service members and their Families.
As part of mental health awareness month, the South Carolina National Guard is hosting a walk May 16, 2019 at the USC Gamecock Park in Columbia, South Carolina. The purpose of the walk is to help raise awareness and fight the stigma that keeps service members and their Families from asking for help and to let people know they do not have to fight alone, explained Ivey Hatfield, South Carolina National Guard Alcohol and Drug Control Officer.
“The intent behind mental health awareness month is to recognize the wide variety of mental health disorders that affect one-in-four people around the world,” said Hatfield. “An underlying bonus of this month is that it works to directly fight the stigma that keeps so many people from receiving mental health care. Mental health month aims to show that there is no weakness in asking for help.”
Jennifer Wolff, South Carolina National Guard Behavioral Health Specialist, added, the South Carolina National Guard is also bringing awareness to the topic through other community awareness events, fund raising for mental health needs, and by utilizing licensed behavioral health specialists for care of service members. The South Carolina National Guard currently provides a behavioral health care line that can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-681-2558, as well as an active suicide prevention program, and substance abuse counseling to target all the needs. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-275-8255 and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline can be reached at 1-800-950-6264.
Hatfield explained, other ways to promote mental health care are for service members and their Families to take time to take care of themselves. Utilize self-care and ensure you have time daily to take a break, relax, unwind, and make sure that you’re fully recharging to the best of your abilities. If you find that you are unable to unwind, she encourages you to reach out to a behavioral health specialist for ideas that can help you do this.
Hatfield added, she has observed that many service members do not reach out because they perceive it as a sign of weakness to ask for help, however, reaching out and asking for help shows signs of strength, resilience, and insight.
“One of the biggest things our Families can do at home that promotes mental health is not to shame people when they want to talk about how they’re feeling,” said Hatfield. “Many of us were raised to tuck our emotions inside and to drive on. However it’s entirely normal and okay to sit down and talk about how you’re feeling and if you’re struggling with issues. It’s also important to never shame someone who admits that they are struggling with their feelings. I encourage all service members and Families to be aware of the resources available to them throughout the National Guard and through the civilian side and feel free to utilize them.
At some point, all of us have struggled, whether personally or professionally. There is no shame in asking for help and no one has to struggle alone,” added Hatfield. “None of the staff or resources through the Guard judge anyone for needing help. Unless a service member or Family member says that they are in immediate danger to themselves or to others, things stay confidential.”
Wolff added, service members and their Families can reduce the stigma associated with mental health care by having open, honest dialogue, remaining proactive and seeking services prior to it becoming a crisis, and remain supportive toward their loved ones when they seek care.
“As a mental health practitioner with many years of hands-on experience in the crisis management field, I frequently advise Family members to love people through difficult circumstances and remain present under all circumstances,” said Wolff.
Hatfield added, the South Carolina National Guard also has a command climate that is supportive and encourages the service members and their Families to reach out and ask for help.
“From the top down, we are working to fight the stigmas and show people that it’s okay to ask for help. In many cases it is entirely possible to reach out and ask for help without having to worry about it impacting your career,” said Hatfield.
For more information on resources available and how to reach out for support, follow the South Carolina National Guard Service Member and Family Care Program Facebook pages by searching: SCNG Service Member and Family Care Directorate; SCNG Suicide Prevention Program; SCNG Substance Abuse Program; and SC National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.
“I am very pleased that the South Carolina National Guard is addressing this issue proactively and using a constructive approach to treatment when needed,” said Wolff. “I am very honored to be part of this process.”
| Date Taken: | 05.09.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.09.2019 15:55 |
| Story ID: | 321711 |
| Location: | COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 134 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, South Carolina National Guard recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month, by MAJ Jessica Donnelly, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
