ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.-To raise awareness about mental health issues, which impact millions of Americans each year, the Commander’s Ready and Resilient Council hosted a virtual panel discussion with experts from the community May 10. This program, called a “fireside chat,” was hosted in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month. Members of Team APG were encouraged to submit questions throughout the event.
Community Ready and Resilient Integrator Sean Green, with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, organized the event. He said more than 250 attended in-person or virtually.
Mental health crisis
According to the White House Proclamation on National Health Awareness Month, even before the pandemic millions of Americans were experiencing stress, trauma, anxiety and heightened levels of depression.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated those conditions, creating an unprecedented mental health crisis across our country,” the proclamation states. “Communities of color, frontline workers, health care workers and individuals with eating disorders have been disproportionately impacted and the rate of depression across the country has more than tripled compared to rates in 2019.”
CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Kristie Brady provided welcoming remarks. She said the event is in line with the Army’s number one priority, people.
“The more we talk about it, the more it becomes accepted in everyday norms and values and it starts with our leaders, leading by example,” she said. “We need to listen more.”
Brady said “Army Strong” means supporting each other.
“It means holding up your team when you can,” she said. “And letting them hold you up when you need it.”
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Brady reiterated the importance of having resilient teammates. She explained the ACE model, which stands for Ask, Care and Escort. This training is the Army-approved suicide prevention and awareness training model for all Soldiers, leaders and Army civilians, and is available to family members. It encourages Soldiers to directly and honestly question any person who exhibits suicidal behavior. The Soldier should Ask the person whether they are suicidal, Care for the person and Escort the person to a source for professional help.
“I am confident that together we are stronger and together we can persevere through even the most challenging times, to continue to do the essential work for our Army, and to support our Soldiers, whenever and wherever they should need it,” she said.
The panel was led by Suicide Prevention Program Manager Vivian Jackson and Employee Assistance Program Prevention Coordinator Jenise Bryce, both with the Army Substance Abuse Program; Kirk U.S. Army Clinic Chief of Behavioral Health Care Services Wendy Witmer; and a Military and Family Life Counseling Program counselor.
Attendees had the option to submit questions, without judgment. Topics included seeking out mental health professionals, self-care, suicide prevention, autism, security clearances, adjusting to on-site work and conflict resolution. “Embracing the new normal” was a common theme.
Witmer said people can seek help through a variety of avenues, including clergy members, friends, colleagues, family or support groups.
“We want to encourage folks to talk to somebody,” she said. “That somebody doesn’t necessarily have to be sitting in an [mental health] office.”
Witmer also suggested making the transition to on-site work easier by touching base with co-workers on a more regular basis and planning an event, like a potluck, when the team is back in the office. Also plan ahead of time for commute difficulties, like delays at the gate, she said.
Mental health resources
National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-273-8255
National Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Substance Abuse/Mental Health Service Administration: 1-800-662-4357
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
Developmental Disabilities Administration: 410-767-5600
Crisis Text Line: Text “NAMI” to 741-741
Contact 911 if there is an immediate need for intervention.
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