Mental Health Month ends, but education, awareness continues Published May 28, 2014 By Maj. Marnee A.C. Losurdo 403rd Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Military members comprise less than 1 percent of the U.S. population and veterans comprise about 7 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While veterans represent a small portion of U.S. demographics, they represent 20 percent of suicides nationally, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Approximately 14.8 million, or 6.7 percent of American adults live with major depression, and another 42 million, or 18 percent of Americans live with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and phobias. Mental health; it's a word with a stigma and few people like to discuss, especially in the military, associating it with career ending-impacts. The fact is in any given year nearly one out of four Americans will experience a mental health disorder, according to NAMI. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the 403rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron is raising awareness about the importance of mental health, working towards changing negative attitudes and stigmas about the subject by educating wing members about the resources available to them, said Capt. Angela Trombley, 403rd ASTS mental health nurse. The 403rd ASTS offers classes and information about these subjects. Mental Health Awareness Month began 65 years ago and this year's theme is "Mind Your Health." Mental health impacts how a person thinks, handles stress and interacts with others, so being a good wingman is key, said Trombley. "It's important to be aware of feelings including worry, sadness, and poor sleep and learn to recognize when there are signs of mental illness," said Trombley. "This is exceptionally important for military members who are at high risk for mental health and substance abuse disorders because of stressors that they may face associated with their duties. "People are worried that they are going to be penalized if they ask for help," said Trombley. "This is a case of educating people that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness." Unfortunately, statistics show that far too many people don't ask for help. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, surpassing homicide, and the third leading cause of death for people ages 15-24, according to National Institute of Mental Health. Knowing the risk factors and conditions impacting an individual can be the key to prevention. "Research has shown it's best to ask the person if they are contemplating hurting themselves versus ignoring the signs and not saying anything at all," said Trombley. "The best chance to help someone is by saying something and getting them the help they need." The 403rd ASTS provides training to front line supervisors and wing members to assist in identifying the signs of mental illness and getting fellow Airmen the help they need. "If someone is having a mental health crisis or issue, they can come to us, and we will provide the support and resources to get that individual to the appropriate services," said Trombley. The daily demands of life at home and work can be stressful and challenging for many people; however, there are steps Airmen can take to protect their mental well-being. Maintaining fitness in the four pillars of mental, physical, spiritual and social domains can result in a more resilient person, according to Air Force Instruction 90-506, Comprehensive Airman Fitness. Important tools for healthier minds include eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, developing coping skills that promote resiliency, building social connections, recognizing the signs of stress, and knowing when and how to reach out for help. "Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being," said Trombley. "Good mental health is essential to a successful life. We encourage your wingmen to hold the concept of 'Airmen taking care of Airmen.'" To further promote the wingman culture, the 403rd Wing is holding Wingman Day activities and a Family Day June 7 during the Unit Training Assembly. For more information about mental health, call the 403rd ASTS at 228-377-3001, or visit the following websites. Wingman Online Suicide Prevention http://www.wingmanonline.org/home Military One Source www.militaryonesource.com The National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org The National Institute for Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov