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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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!!!
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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?
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
MSG Sand,
Understood. I reread it and saw the joke in it. I also have delivery issues when I try to make a joke in writing. (I'm super sarcastic in real life and often have trouble conveying jokes even face to face) In that regard we are a little off. I took it one step farther, try being a volunteer firefighter, I ran into burning buildings for NO PAY. Maybe I am a little off. (Look! I made a funny!)
Understood. I reread it and saw the joke in it. I also have delivery issues when I try to make a joke in writing. (I'm super sarcastic in real life and often have trouble conveying jokes even face to face) In that regard we are a little off. I took it one step farther, try being a volunteer firefighter, I ran into burning buildings for NO PAY. Maybe I am a little off. (Look! I made a funny!)
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MSG Brad Sand
Blair,
I hope the Lord takes me before I am 'on'.
The thing that does get me on issues like this, is that all these human slugs want to do is to whine about the problem while also making cuts on military pay and benefits...while raising the benefits and pay for everyone, and anyone, else? While I like good joke as much as the next guy, the promises the Nation makes to our military, are made years in advanced...and then our 'leaders' try yanking the rug out from under our solders and veterans? Really? I would say it is criminal?
I hope the Lord takes me before I am 'on'.
The thing that does get me on issues like this, is that all these human slugs want to do is to whine about the problem while also making cuts on military pay and benefits...while raising the benefits and pay for everyone, and anyone, else? While I like good joke as much as the next guy, the promises the Nation makes to our military, are made years in advanced...and then our 'leaders' try yanking the rug out from under our solders and veterans? Really? I would say it is criminal?
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Lt Col (Join to see)
People do volunteer, but I don't think very many people have a good idea of what they are getting into. All they have is what the recruiter told them (all about benefits, travel, excitement and adventure) and what they have seen on TV (airstrikes, commercials showing high-tech, exciting jobs, benefits and education). Maybe they've seen news reports with "xx soldiers were killed in an attack", but those are rarely, if ever, accompanied by graphic video. Further, many join before starting a family and they are unprepared for the stress of multiple deployments on their personal relationships.
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MSG Brad Sand
Lt Col (Join to see)
I don't think anyone has good idea about what they are getting into, until they are knee deep into it, and this is especially true for combat BUT I also think that nearly everyone coming in today has some idea of what is going to be in front of them. Now those joining on or before 10 Sept 2001, that is a different story, but anyone joining today for college money, should know they are paying high cost...like everyone else who volunteers.
I don't think anyone has good idea about what they are getting into, until they are knee deep into it, and this is especially true for combat BUT I also think that nearly everyone coming in today has some idea of what is going to be in front of them. Now those joining on or before 10 Sept 2001, that is a different story, but anyone joining today for college money, should know they are paying high cost...like everyone else who volunteers.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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
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
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1SG Henry Yates
SSgt Olson, I have the highest respect for you and welcome this post. We accomplish more together, and can reach out to Vets, relieve Caregivers, help Surviving Spouses and the Families they all support. I'm willing to share resources. I have access to health, dental and vision benefits, computer technology at discounts and repair, (online as well to connect and repair remotely), I assist in business development and start-ups and develop tech and communications for business. I own businesses that in some cases, we grant services or work at affordable discounts especially for Service Members Vets and their loved ones. As a professional, I am employed by the Army Medical Department to assist with medical advocacy and literally any other red tape matters of concern. The Army pays me in this to help Service Members, Vets, and their Families. I found myself, as many of us have, missing a step or two, coping and compensating to seemingly barely get by. We hate to face it, but the sooner we do, it starts getting better. Do you have any ideas? We all have resources and talents that can move in a path of difference. I'm sure we could connect through Rally Point.
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SSgt (Join to see)
This was a major part of me being here. To Network. And we cannot wait because there are so many issues need addressing.
In many cities there are outreach programs for more elderly adults. They also help with food if needed.
I used to be a volunteer support group facilitator with the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. The takeaway point there were the personal struggles, not only of the patient but their families. A lot of acrimony can be avoided with the proper understanding of the impact of disease.
My first priority has always helping people and that experience has shown me a few things we need to do.
I find that so many 501c3s are 9-5 and sometimes these needs can come in the evening or overnight.
What about legal issues? Those honorably discharged veterans who had a brush with the law are left out. Partnerships with local law enforcement and without the stigmas would greatly enhance alternatives outside of drug and alcohol abuse.
Some Veterans are homeless and on the street for a variety of reasons. If the Veteran has a serious crime it could be a death sentence. Cooperative efforts with local law enforcement would actually benefit the Veteran and the entire community. And without the stigmas that are so often associated.
If you want more information please contact me via email here. I am very excited to have people take a personal interest in our military brothers and sisters.
Thanks,
SSgt Olson, Wx
In many cities there are outreach programs for more elderly adults. They also help with food if needed.
I used to be a volunteer support group facilitator with the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. The takeaway point there were the personal struggles, not only of the patient but their families. A lot of acrimony can be avoided with the proper understanding of the impact of disease.
My first priority has always helping people and that experience has shown me a few things we need to do.
I find that so many 501c3s are 9-5 and sometimes these needs can come in the evening or overnight.
What about legal issues? Those honorably discharged veterans who had a brush with the law are left out. Partnerships with local law enforcement and without the stigmas would greatly enhance alternatives outside of drug and alcohol abuse.
Some Veterans are homeless and on the street for a variety of reasons. If the Veteran has a serious crime it could be a death sentence. Cooperative efforts with local law enforcement would actually benefit the Veteran and the entire community. And without the stigmas that are so often associated.
If you want more information please contact me via email here. I am very excited to have people take a personal interest in our military brothers and sisters.
Thanks,
SSgt Olson, Wx
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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.
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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.
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.
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MAJ (Join to see)
This. When I first got back I made the mistake of being a little too honest and was immediately referred to mental health. Wasn't suicidal or anything like that, but we definitely saw some stuff out there. If you're going to immediately refer people for mental health counseling just because they tell you a few stories, don't be surprised when people with REAL issues don't tell you any stories. We're being threatened daily with personnel cut backs, it's very understandable why people with true issues don't step up.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
To add to MAJ Dews, I have a bit of a personal story. While watching CNN (just after the Ft. Hood shooting, so this was the only story nonstop) and discussing current events, though not in support of his actions, I mentioned about how I can sorta see where the Ft. Hood shooter was coming from. I do not condone his actions at all and think it should have been handled differently, however, due to toxic leadership (or at least how he perceived it) a Soldier reached their breaking point. As a result of this conversation, I was chewed out by my Commander (and ridiculed in front of the whole orderly room) sent to behavioral health. Somehow it was twisted to say that I was suicidal, and I was completely torn apart, ridiculed, demoralized and degraded in front of my whole chain of command. So if another Soldier in the orderly room was having issues and observed when the Commander was yelling "have fun in your free ride in a government vehicle to mental health", do you think they will go to anyone if they were suffering from an actual issue. I am just super glad I was not suicidal or upset at that time or that could have been the straw...
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