Brig. Gen. Donald Bradshaw Commanding General DDEAMC May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month to educate Americans about mental health issues, help remove the stigma associated with mental health problems, and encourage people to seek help if they find themselves having lost the ability to deal with their emotions, thoughts, or make rational decisions.

Mental health problems are not a new phenomenon solely created by today's fast-paced, high stress, and what seems to be an ever- increasing "do more with less" demand many people experience at home, work, or in other aspects of daily life. Many famous people throughout history have suffered from various mental health conditions, including Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill.

Mental health problems have been recognized as real medical conditions by the American Medical Association for decades. The stigma associated with mental health problems is slowly being eroded by Government organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.

"Unfortunately, despite all these efforts to educate the public regarding mental illness, as recently as 2008 a SAMHSA report indicated the stigma associated with mental illness is the primary reason individuals do not seek help when confronted with overwhelming emotions, thoughts, or behaviors, said Col. Sam Payne, chief psychiatrist Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center Outpatient Behavioral Health Services. As with many physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even dental problems such as tooth decay, mental health conditions tend to escalate, become more complex, and subsequently more difficult to manage if not addressed in a timely manner. "

According to Payne almost everyone we know has either experienced a mental health problem or has a relative or friend who has experienced a mental health problem.

"I believe that it is often helpful to look at mental health problems in a similar way that we see other types of health problems, said Payne. Mental health problems can range from something minor, the equivalent of a common cold, to more severe illnesses with chronic symptoms, the equivalent of something like diabetes or chronic heart disease.

"If we can help society in general and the military culture, in particular, move closer to this viewpoint, we can help to fight the old mentality that mental health problems are a sign of a character deficit or a lack of self discipline," Payne said The approach to prevention and treatment of mental health problems is also very similar to prevention and treatment of medical illnesses. Many less severe mental health problems can be managed or prevented by basic techniques, such as exercising, eating well, managing time so that you have enjoyable activities in your life, and maintaining a good support network of people to help you out. More severe symptoms often require evaluation and treatment by a health care provider trained to deal with mental health issues. Payne indicated that while most everyone experiences varying degrees of stress and burnout in their lives it is important people understand and recognize the signs of excessive stress and burnout. Some of the symptoms include sleeplessness, changes in appetite, irritability, increase in alcohol use, sadness, and a decline in work performance.

"Most supervisors are much more prone to be supportive of an individual seeking help when needed rather than dealing with the results of untreated mental disorders such as domestic violence, alcohol-related incidents, absenteeism, or unpredictable behavior," said Payne. "There is no shame in seeking assistance to cope with the constant and seemingly increasing demands placed on our professional and personal lives."

If you have questions or would like more information, call DDEAMC Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at (706) 787- 3780/8134.

Important quick facts

Seeking medical assistance from a behavioral health care provider is not a career ender. The military is very proactive in encouraging Soldiers to get the help they need, and most Soldiers diagnosed with Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder are treated, and can remain on active duty.

Today we have a much better understanding of the psychological effects of war. Soldiers are being trained to look out for the behavioral health of their buddies in the same way they look out for their physical health, and leaders are being trained to encourage Soldiers to get help.

For active duty Soldiers, Outpatient Behavioral Health Services are available by calling (706) 787-3780/8184. There is a walk-in clinic during duty hours for mental health emergencies.

For non active duty beneficiaries, call Value Options TRICARE, at 1 (800) 700-8646 or visit www.Humana-Military.com for a list of TRICARE network providers and make your appointment directly with the behavioral health care provider. Family members do not need a consult or pre-approval from a primary care manager for outpatient services through Value Options TRICARE. After duty hours all beneficiaries may receive service at the Emergency Department (706) 787-9285 or (706) 787-9288 if there is an urgent mental health issue that cannot wait until the next duty day.

To submit questions or suggest article topics, send e-mail to: ikeshealthnet@amedd.army.mil