Program aims to identify mental health issues in troops. Do you believe them?

SSG Robin Rushlo — Thu, 08 May 2014 07:03:07 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Cornelius Walsh made May 8 at 2014 7:45 AM

SFC Cornelius Walsh — Thu, 08 May 2014 07:45:02 -0400

Thanks for sharing this. While I'm not sure what it's going to take to combat this issue, I think this is certainly a step in the right direction. Far too many Soldiers are suffering in silence, and they deserve to get help.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 9:16 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 09:16:34 -0400

Very much needed. I know places and numbers where to find/get help. But I don't really know what the best way to encourage people to get help beyond calling someone else to do it. There isn't always going to be someone else around to assist instead of just pounding military one source into our heads they should give us all some basic tools.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 8 at 2014 9:38 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 08 May 2014 09:38:20 -0400

Doubt it, I was mental for the entirety of my 26-year career...or is that a result of said career??!! :-D Just some levity on TBT!!!

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made May 8 at 2014 10:41 AM

MAJ Jim Woods — Thu, 08 May 2014 10:41:15 -0400

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.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 8 at 2014 11:01 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 08 May 2014 11:01:47 -0400

First, in the current Armed Forces, we all VOLUNTEERED for a job where we knew there was a chance that people would be trying to kill or maim us for little pay, for years at a time? We knew when we started we would be abused and broken down from the very start…and we went right off to our Initial Training…how can any of us think that there are not a plethora of mental health issues with every last one of us?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 5:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 17:47:42 -0400

I think the reason leaders put bad stigmas with mental health programs is because its seems like most service members get sent there after something bad has happened or they are getting chaptered. Ive met very few who have asked for help from the chain of command.
Since I'm not a counselor for any mental health issues, what ever the counselor puts on the Soldiers paperwork I don't question it.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 6:28 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 18:28:51 -0400

There are many programs out there, but I think that this sounds pretty good. It probably is good to have a standard protocol to deal with these issues, as many are totally clueless, though they have good intentions, they can unintentionally do more harm than good.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 6:53 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 18:53:09 -0400

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.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made May 8 at 2014 11:24 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Thu, 08 May 2014 23:24:50 -0400

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.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 7:18 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 May 2014 07:18:12 -0400

I think we as veterans can make some of those gaps a thing of the past. Are you as a Veteran willing to help out? Can you help with a ride or know someone who can?

How about those stranded in retirement communities or those dropped off at VA Hospitals, many times to get the Veteran out of the care-givers hair?

These are real concerns and may help with the depression of loneliness and detachment.

Another issue is a stigma. Are you safe letting the VA help you? Are you worried about privacy?

I see a lot of lofty ambition but I wonder if we are not doing enough. Afterall, people with problems need someone they can trust.

Furthermore there are online resources like 'Vets Prevail'. This is a good thing and actually teaches Veterans how to cope with day to day situations and will actually give you gift cards for completing.

Honestly, how can you beat that?
SSgt Olson

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jul 6 at 2014 6:09 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 18:09:37 -0400

Yes, I support the mental health program. A few years ago, a civilian health company was contracted to provide this service at the unit level. Intervention without treatment was their mental health service. Why not the treatment? Because the company was only hired for personal counseling services. The social workers hired were all licensed by their State to intervene and provide treatment.

Now for the not so good part. When the chain of command of the Service member wanted the case information, the health company said "No"...Since the moneys came from MWR account, the military at the post made some changes to the mental health service provider.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Nov 30 at 2014 8:01 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:01:54 -0500

I share the same vision with this program. The American Red Cross also puts out Psychological First Aid to RC Volunteers of the same. This course can also be found online under Disaster Training.

The military challenge for commanders is the confidentiality piece. Two support chains, command and NCO must coordinate and collaborate to make this work. Just because someone has the problem, the whole world does not need to know. This also goes with triage, or immediate Psychological First Aid.

On the other hand, if the individual(s) with such problem(s) is affecting unit morale, team cohesiveness, and/or overall health and welfare of...then get them the help they need, so they can return to duty.

Veterans who are affecting their community in a negative manner, should be afforded the time and resource made available for overall wellness. VSOs, veteran service officers...should be in the know and help vets get the help they need before jail or suicide or other negative impact events unfold.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 8:31 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 08:31:45 -0500

The cynical part of me believes that we're just looking to create a new pool to RIF, since the last round got rid of many trouble makers, PT failures, and otherwise weak performers.

Response by Sgt Timothy Sigafoos made Dec 5 at 2014 12:41 AM

Sgt Timothy Sigafoos — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:41:08 -0500

One of the difficulties about placing these guidelines out there is that diagnosis of mental illness is a flawed mixed array of behaviors, feelings and causes. Those skilled in diagnosis are well trained and have an understanding how these things have a delicate interplay within the systemic influences. Mental Health First aid should be practiced by all BUT. Many of the training out there provide an oversimplification of the symptoms that can be a detriment to the person suffering and those attempting to be Dr.Phil. When Mental Health issue interfere with daily functioning it is best to find a profession you feel comfortable engaging with. The issue of accessibility to those who can truly connect with service members and are competent enough to help is the major problem we are seeing today and will get worse until changes are made.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 15 at 2019 4:05 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 04:05:22 -0400

I sure do!