Mental Health offers training, support

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Editor's note: This is the first installment of a three-part series on Airmen's total health.

Airmen who are in need of psychological counseling now have multiple options through a number of Air Force mental health programs.

These programs use evaluations which occur throughout an Airman's career by way of annual preventive health assessments, post-deployment health assessments and walk-in appointments.

"At mental health, our mission is to support and strengthen the psychological health of all Airmen and dependents," said Staff Sgt. Erica Fitzpatrick, 366th Medical Group noncommissioned officer in-charge of mental health. "We provide individual, group and couples therapy sessions for everything from stress management to sleep hygiene to anger management."

Resiliency training is also being implemented into the current mental health assessments.

"This training is important for people who may not have experience dealing with stress," said Connie Powers, 366th MDG family advocacy outreach manager. "It is another great addition to the total health training because when problems arise while personnel are deployed, resiliency training helps personnel be better prepared to move on, learn from mistakes and complete the mission."

For the past 20 years, the Air Force has implemented multiple training options regarding total health such as suicide prevention training and public outreach training.

"We have always been involved with the total health of Airmen," Fitzpatrick said. "We go throughout the squadrons and let the personnel know who we are, what we can do for them and how they can seek services if need be."

There is, however, one hurdle mental health workers hope to overcome.

"One of our main goals is getting Airmen to drop the stigma associated with mental health," Fitzpatrick said. "We want people to know 97 percent of personnel who seek assistance from us do not have any negative repercussions. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and that's what we and our partners are here to do."

Mental health works with base senior leadership, chaplains and the Airmen and Family Readiness Center to assist Airmen and their families.

"When people let us know what their needs are we do our best to find the appropriate means of specific service," Fitzpatrick said.

Many needs are met by specific programs.

"One of the best programs we have is the new parent support program -- assisting new parents with the struggles of raising a child," Powers said. "We also have a relaxation group and a new class for single Airmen called, "Pick a Partner," as well as different couple's communication classes."

These classes and programs are free for active-duty Airmen and their dependents.

"We are here for Gunfighters and their families," Powers said. "Just give us a call. We would love to help."