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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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