Mentally fit

Photo By Staff Sgt. Francis Horton | It has been called many things throughout the ages, but as long as people have met on the field of battle, not all of the wounds suffered have been visible to the naked eye. Shell shock, battle fatigue, Post-Vietnam Syndrome and now Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: whatever one calls it, the wounds of the mind have been shown to be just as debilitating as most physical trauma. These days, however, members of the combat stress team, with the 34th Infantry Division, are poised to talk to anyone who might need a friendly ear.  

BASRA, IRAQ

11.26.2009

Story by Sgt. Francis Horton 

367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — It has been called many things throughout the ages, but as long as people have met on the field of battle, not all of the wounds suffered have been visible to the naked eye.

Shell shock, battle fatigue, Post-Vietnam Syndrome and now Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: whatever one calls it, the wounds of the mind have been shown to be just as debilitating as most physical trauma.

These days, however, members of the combat stress team, with the 34th Infantry Division, are poised to talk to anyone who might need a friendly ear.

"Our role is to make sure Soldiers and Airmen are mentally fit," said Air Force Maj. Spring Myers, the officer in charge of the 732 Expeditionary Support Squadron and a licensed clinical social worker.

Doing so requires reversing their current thought process, Myers said.

It can be difficult to convince someone to seek help, but if a friend goes along, it can help to get a troubled service member to come in. There is no shame in asking for help, she said.

Many service members have found it hard to request help when it comes to psychological issues, Myers said. In the past, some have been criticized by their command or peers for weak.

It's not just combat stress they deal with, however. Anyone can come in with problems, whether it be stress incurred on the battlefield or in their day- to-day lives.

"It is tough on Soldiers with multiple deployments," Myers said.

Compared to other tours of duty, service members are finding their current workloads move at a much slower pace, she said. Some of the Soldiers and Airmen seem bored, and that can lead to depression.

Myers offered advice to know what to look for in those who serve with you.

"Know your battle buddy, that way you know if something is off," Myers said.

There are many warning signs to watch for, such as a service member giving away their things, not partaking in their usual recreational activity or even mentioning hurting themselves.

"Bring them in when they need it," Myers said.

As information unfolds about the recent events in Fort Hood, Texas, the members of the 732nd want to ensure Soldiers aren't hesitant about the help they can receive.

"It was an isolated incident," Myers said about the attack.

Everyone is encouraged to seek the help they need to get themselves back in the fight.

"We are working on an outreach program," said Air Force Cpt. Aaron Tritch, a clinical psychologist with the 732nd ESPTS.

Rather than wait for troubled service members to come to them, the mental health professionals want to go out and give classes, letting everyone know who they are and how they can help.

"We do outreach on all levels," Tritch said.

From the top of command to the lowest ranking privates and airmen, the mental health specialists want everyone to know they are ready to help.

You can go and talk to the mental health specialists for anything, even if you just need a friendly ear, Myers said. They are available 0830 to 1700 Monday through Friday and 0900 to 1200 Saturdays, but will work with you no matter what your schedule.

"We listen and assess to help Soldiers rethink their thought process," Myers said. "If you're tired of spinning in the hamster wheel, come see us."

• Date Taken: 11.26.2009
• Date Posted: 11.26.2009 23:49
• Story ID: 42047
• Location: BASRA, IQ