July 3, 2018 A peek behind the curtain: Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating, but there are therapies that can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and help Airmen return to duty.One of the most effective therapies, practiced by many Air Force mental health professionals, is prolonged exposure therapy.
June 26, 2018 A peek behind the curtain: The first step of PTSD care Perhaps the most difficult part of seeking help for post-traumatic stress disorder is making that first appointment, since Airmen are often unsure of what to expect. Not knowing what to expect from mental health providers can get in the way of effective PTSD treatment.
June 20, 2018 A peek behind the curtain: PTSD barriers and stigmas Effective treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is possible, but many Airmen falsely think seeking medical help for PTSD will hurt their career and will not help them get better. These stigmas and misconceptions create perceived barriers, preventing Airmen from seeking care. Delaying treatment
May 21, 2018 Breaking down the image: Mental health Life in the military can be stressful for anyone from a pipeline Airman to a general officer. Fortunately, the 28th Medical Group Mental Health Clinic provides services for Airmen in need.
May 16, 2018 A day in the life: Mental health supports Airmen, readiness As with any Air Force healthcare provider, Capt. Daniel Gibson, a clinical psychologist with the 92nd medical group, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, relies on a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care.The mental health clinic at Fairchild Air Force Base uses a collaborative approach
May 15, 2018 True North program helps Airmen The newly opened Whiteman Welcome Center serves as a one-stop shop for in-processing appointments, including administrative, financial and medical needs. Freestrom and other new arrivals receive a list required appointments from the center’s staff.
May 15, 2018 Check your ego at the door, be your own advocate Master Sgt. James Stalnaker always thought going to mental health was a deal breaker for your career; that mental issues make you a weaker person. It took encountering struggles of his own to change those views.
May 11, 2018 Mental Health trailblazes new IOP in ACC Moody Air Force Base’s Mental Health Flight refocused its treatment strategy, Feb. 5, by instituting a new intensive outpatient program (IOP) that gives Airmen the help they need from Airmen like themselves.
April 23, 2018 Ready, set, focus: Finding calm in a storm through the power of breathing While circling over foreign seas in bad weather one night, Air Force Maj. William MacVittie and his co-pilot considered whether to return to base or continue on their mission. Fuel was dwindling and the chatter remained constant from the radio. MacVittie took deep breaths; the ability to focus
April 2, 2018 Mental health team provides care with Airmen in mind Life can be stressful.In addition to everyday life, dealing with frequent temporary duty trips, ever-lurking deployments and permanent reassignments from one end of the globe to the next can be both physically and mentally taxing for service members.Often separated from family and social support
Feb. 26, 2018 Mental health flight trains brains Whether patients are coming in for help while going through difficult times, feeling down or thinking of suicide, the mental health flight is always ready to help.
Nov. 20, 2017 Good mental health critical to readiness Mental health is a critical part of every Airman’s medical readiness. Although many service members worry that seeking mental health care will negatively effect their career, the opposite is usually true. With early identification and the right treatment by a medical professional, most mental health
Sept. 29, 2017 Air Force psychologist considers social media’s role in suicide prevention Social media connects us to more people than ever before, but these contacts may not be the type that help build resiliency. Strong interpersonal connections play a critical role in suicide prevention. Used correctly, social media can be an important tool in the suicide prevention toolbox for
Sept. 28, 2017 Be there, be aware: Help prevent suicide When we focus on our health, it’s easy to pay attention to physical health versus mental well-being. Ignoring mental health concerns like anxiety and depression can lead to worsening symptoms and more serious issues. For some people, these issues may include an increased risk of suicide.
Sept. 21, 2017 Suicide Prevention Month raises awareness, promotes understanding Throughout September, organizations across the United States make efforts to raise awareness of a mental health issue affecting many demographics.
Sept. 18, 2017 Airman overcomes suicidal thoughts, strives to help others Being part of the Air Force is not an easy task. Airmen are charged with supporting and defending the U.S. from all enemies, foreign and domestic. As a result, the military life has many stressors and responsibilities. Deployments, financial strains, intensive training, long work days and adapting
Sept. 16, 2017 Resources and resiliency help children of military parents turn away from suicidal thoughts Like many teenagers starting high school, Edward was having trouble fitting in. The child of military parents who traveled around the world, Edward, whose name has been changed to protect his privacy, found himself in a new, civilian school where he was one of few “military brats.” He was admittedly
Sept. 12, 2017 Healthy Aging Awareness Month: Improving the health of older adults Health plays a huge part in how we experience life, and determining current health situations can help lead to a longer and happier life. But what about healthy aging?
Aug. 31, 2017 Suicide prevention month: Stopping suicide is everyone’s battle September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time for Americans to build awareness and help understand suicide in our culture. More than 40,000 Americans lose their life due to suicide each year and research shows that rates in the military and the general population are very close. The loss of any one
July 21, 2017 TRICARE Expands Treatment Options for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders TRICARE expanded mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services, adding intensive outpatient programs and expanding options for opioid treatment. In addition to other improvements, this expansion improves access to care and increases opportunities for mental health and SUD treatment. It