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| News > Feature - Combating stigmas to save lives |
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Capt. Fawn Jones, 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron mental health provider, talks with an Airman at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 30, 2012. Staff members of the 27th Special Operations Medical Group’s mental health flight provide care to Air Commandos struggling with issues ranging from domestic discord to alcohol dependency. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
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Combating stigmas to save lives
Posted 9/19/2012 Updated 9/19/2012
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by Senior Airman Whitney Tucker
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
9/19/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- "Suicides Eclipse War Deaths for U.S. Troops;" "Military suicide rate increases to fastest pace in decade of war;" "Military suicides rising, even as combat eases." In recent months, the American public has been bombarded with headlines highlighting an issue that has commanded the attention of everyone from civilians to the secretary of defense.
It is no secret how severely the state of mental health in the military has deteriorated since the nation entered into war more than a decade ago. But with trained professionals ready, willing and able to counsel men and women in uniform, the question on everyone's mind is, why?
The perception that taking advantage of mental health resources will sink their careers has an overwhelming number of Airmen, sailors, soldiers, Marines and coastguardsmen sweeping issues under the proverbial rug. They fear confidences will be broken and their problems will travel up the chain-of-command, jeopardizing their clearances or causing them to be separated from service.
These stigmas have greatly hindered the ability of medical professionals to successfully fulfill their function, and according to Associated Press reports, 154 service members committed suicide during the first 155 days of 2012.
However, public outcry has not fallen on deaf ears and military leaders have begun taking steps to heal these invisible wounds and prevent the depletion of an already war-weary force.
In addition to the Limited Privilege Suicide Prevention program, implemented more than a year ago to identify and treat at-risk service members awaiting disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the Air Force initiated a Master Resiliency Trainer program in May 2012. The program, similar to that of the Army, focuses on the five dimensions of strength: emotional, social, spiritual, family and physical.
Echoing senior leadership initiatives, medical professionals at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., are seeking to dispel stigmas surrounding the mental healthcare profession and encourage Airmen in need to seek help without fear of the fallout.
"According to mental health guidance published in 2011, 97 percent of people who seek treatment do not incur any negative repercussions," said Capt. Fawn Jones, 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron mental health provider. "We up-channel information if there is a fitness for duty consideration, the individual expresses a desire to hurt themselves or others, or has abuse or dependence issues involving drugs or alcohol."
With the liberty of millions weighing heavy on their shoulders, America's "one percent" is required to not only wield weapons, but use them to strike down entities that would seek to bring dissention and destruction to these 50 states. A force is only as strong as its weakest member, but mental health professionals believe with the proper care, all can be strong.
"A desire to address problems and the choice to reach out is a reflection of strength and resiliency that each service member possesses," said Capt. Joanna Ho, 27 SOMDOS mental health provider.
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