Posted on May 8, 2014
Program aims to identify mental health issues in troops. Do you believe them?
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If you saw a service member or veteran struggling with substance abuse, post-traumatic stress or depression, would you know how to encourage them to get help?
A new program aims to teach educators, law enforcement officials and community workers to recognize the signs of mental illness and understand how to spur those affected to seek treatment.
Mental Health First Aid for Veterans was developed by troops for the National Council for Behavioral Health, modeled on a program for teachers, social workers and first-responders. The eight-hour program prepares individuals to recognize and respond to the warning signs of mental health conditions.
“When you are in the midst of suffering a mental illness, everyone knows it but you. And no one will tell you you need help,” said former congressman Patrick Kennedy, co-founder of One Mind For Research.
The curriculum teaches a five-step plan known by the acronym ALGEE: Assess risk of suicide or harm; Listen nonjudgmentally; Give reassurance and information; Encourage professional help; and Encourage self-help and other forms of support.
A 2008 Rand Corp. study found nearly 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan vets reported symptoms of PTSD or depression, yet only half of those sought treatment.
The new training is helpful for anyone — not just those who come into contact with veterans, said former Marine Sharon Thomas-Parks, a course-instructor.
“It gives people the confidence to engage a person who is experiencing a mental health challenge and ask them, ‘Do you need help?’ ” Thomas-Parks said.
The course debuted April 30 in Iowa and will roll out nationwide throughout the year. Kennedy said it could “change attitudes toward mental health conditions.”
“We need to not look at it as a character issue but as a chemical issue. Their brain is ill, but they can get better,” he said.
A new program aims to teach educators, law enforcement officials and community workers to recognize the signs of mental illness and understand how to spur those affected to seek treatment.
Mental Health First Aid for Veterans was developed by troops for the National Council for Behavioral Health, modeled on a program for teachers, social workers and first-responders. The eight-hour program prepares individuals to recognize and respond to the warning signs of mental health conditions.
“When you are in the midst of suffering a mental illness, everyone knows it but you. And no one will tell you you need help,” said former congressman Patrick Kennedy, co-founder of One Mind For Research.
The curriculum teaches a five-step plan known by the acronym ALGEE: Assess risk of suicide or harm; Listen nonjudgmentally; Give reassurance and information; Encourage professional help; and Encourage self-help and other forms of support.
A 2008 Rand Corp. study found nearly 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan vets reported symptoms of PTSD or depression, yet only half of those sought treatment.
The new training is helpful for anyone — not just those who come into contact with veterans, said former Marine Sharon Thomas-Parks, a course-instructor.
“It gives people the confidence to engage a person who is experiencing a mental health challenge and ask them, ‘Do you need help?’ ” Thomas-Parks said.
The course debuted April 30 in Iowa and will roll out nationwide throughout the year. Kennedy said it could “change attitudes toward mental health conditions.”
“We need to not look at it as a character issue but as a chemical issue. Their brain is ill, but they can get better,” he said.
PTSD
Health
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
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I've said this before and I'll say it again - when I came back, I saw some serious deficiencies in mental health accessibility. I had a few issues with transition, but was not suicidal/homicidal. With that said, I was "referred" to mental health. That meant calling up a # (not open after hours of course), making an appointment (usually a week plus out) and then driving 50 miles to get there. Now, if I WAS suicidal/homicidal - how would that have helped? I was very frustrated, not for myself, but for others coming back trying to reach out and were told "make an appointment" or "drive to the nearest facility that does psych, that is 50 miles away". When soldiers reach out, the help needs to be there NOW. There is no excuse for EVERY military post in this country not to have 24/7 help available to those who reach out. 10 years of war, and a lot of casualties, both mentally and physically.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
I wonder if there could be some type of course for a position within the unit to help address the immediate need, similar to how sharp reps are in each unit. it will not stop everything, but it can be a great step during those critical moments. it also should be based more off of personality rather than rank. let's face it, a SPC may feel more comfortable speaking with a trained peer rather than an NCO. All it takes is two or three of varying demographics per company. (our a group to choose from per bn)
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MSG Mitch Dowler
Personally I would never, never, use a military, VA, or conventional medical facility with medical record keeping or reporting. Anything you say can and will be used against you. It can be used against you when you want to buy inexpensive life insurance, it can and may very well be used against you as means of removing your firearm civil rights. The civil right which is the very corner stone of all others.
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SSG Mike Angelo
Maj Ian,
Our grateful nation was not ready for this type of tragedy "coming back".
If we, as a nation cannot afford to take care of our Service members coming back from a war zone, then why send them in the first place?
Our grateful nation was not ready for this type of tragedy "coming back".
If we, as a nation cannot afford to take care of our Service members coming back from a war zone, then why send them in the first place?
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Lt Col (Join to see)
I had a buddy who WAS suicidal. Went to mental health on base, on a Friday, and they asked "do you have a plan?" His response was "no, not really". They then had him make an appointment for the following week. Over the weekend, he attempted suicide. Thankfully, he survived his attempt.
Bottom line: all those suicide briefings tell you to get the person to mental health or another care professional. Our mental health clinic turned him away when he sought help.
Bottom line: all those suicide briefings tell you to get the person to mental health or another care professional. Our mental health clinic turned him away when he sought help.
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Absolutely.
Issue that needs to be overcome is how leadership treats the soldier. They can either be part of the solution or remain part of the problem. There is a stigma attached to the active duty soldiers that seek Mental Health assistance. A few years ago, even the VA treated you like a step-child and put you on a shelf.
Issue that needs to be overcome is how leadership treats the soldier. They can either be part of the solution or remain part of the problem. There is a stigma attached to the active duty soldiers that seek Mental Health assistance. A few years ago, even the VA treated you like a step-child and put you on a shelf.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Too bad I can only vote you up once. I personally think this is what makes the difference. I've seen Soldiers torn apart for having a mental issue by their chain (and subsequently denied treatment), where those that had caring leadership thrived. It is all in the environment. Once the environment improves, I think we will be pleasantly surprised.
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Personally I would never, never, use a military, VA, or conventional medical facility with medical record keeping or reporting. Anything you say can and will be used against you. It can be used against you when you want to buy inexpensive life insurance, it can and may very well be used against you as means of removing your firearm civil rights. The civil right which is the very corner stone of all others.
Do you feel comfortable with government agents such as police and school officials getting to decide if they want to report you as a possible mental health problem? Enough civilians already assume Veterans are all ticking time bombs.
Do you feel comfortable with government agents such as police and school officials getting to decide if they want to report you as a possible mental health problem? Enough civilians already assume Veterans are all ticking time bombs.
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