Does that make me crazy?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kevin Yeates
  • 22nd Medical Support Squadron
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  From the very beginning of our military careers, we are conditioned to be the best of the best. We are trained to be the smartest, the fittest and the most durable, both mentally and physically.

In basic training if we sprained our ankle we tried to push through it, tried not to quit. If we happen to feel homesick or stressed, we would run until we forgot all about it. 

But as we progress from our initial training, we begin to realize that the ankle is not getting any better on its own and some help is needed to fix it. Miraculously, after we get treated by our primary care manager, eventually that ankle starts to heal.

What about our other problems? Between exercises, inspections, and deployments the military member's life can be quite stressful, but we still complete the mission through our resilience.

However, constant stress can lead to symptoms that require attention. 

Symptoms to Look Out For:
  • Trouble sleeping: either falling or staying asleep.
  • Physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion. 
  • Fear or nervousness.
  • Drastic change in appetite and/or weight.
  • Sense of hopelessness, helplessness or guilt.
  • Increased agitation.
  • Anxiety.
  • Unusual or sudden changes in behavior.
  • Some of these symptoms may be common in your life, but if you start to notice them increasing or becoming intrusive, then it's time to get some help.
In August 2007, the Secretary of the Air Force said, "Smart Airmen seek out help when they need it and great wingmen know when to encourage their peers to get help."

Good leadership is fostering a supportive environment and encouraging Airman to get help. You are the frontline for recognizing warning signs among your peers. If you are supportive, people are much more likely to seek out help when needed and prevent a bigger problem from occurring.

The Myths about Mental Health: 
  • If I go to mental health, it will keep me from promoting or they will kick me out of the Air Force. 
    •  Ninety-seven percent of Airmen who seek treatment at Air Force Mental Health clinics experience no negative career impact.
  • Everyone will know about my problems if I go to Mental Health. 
    •  We maintain strict privacy and HIPPA act regulations. We only share information with those who have a need to know.
  • If I go to mental health, people will call me crazy. 
    • Most of the patients who come in to the clinic are people who are going through a tough time and need some help. Mental Health simply provides skills to help cope with problems and reach goals.
  You have several options if you notice any of the symptoms and would like help:
  • Call Mental Health at 759-5091 to schedule an appointment.
  • Call Family Advocacy at 759-5768.
  • Call the Airman Family Readiness Center at 759-6020.
  • Call the Chaplain at 759-3562.
  • Call Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647. Active duty and immediate family members can receive six to eight face-to-face visits off base without a referral.