MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The pandemic has disrupted many aspects of our lives, leading to relationship difficulties, depression and other mental health issues. These issues can be treated by counseling, medication or both. Yet many people don’t share their pain because of the insensitivity that often surrounds mental health. This prevents them from getting the help they need to feel better and function fully.
Revealing mental health issues and having people show support can help turn it around, as well as removing the stigma. This can help make a big difference in people’s lives.
Has someone revealed a mental or emotional health issue to you?
Ignoring that person, or telling them to snap out of it, to just calm down, that things will be better in the morning, or that therapy is for weak people, can make matters worse for someone who is struggling.
Show support. It’s not always easy to find the right words, but the key is to acknowledge them without judgment. Say something like, “It must be hard for you,” and “I’m here to listen if you want to talk about how you feel.”
Talking about it is the first step to getting help. Speak up. Show support. Together, we can shatter stigma.
Do you keep silent about feeling depressed, anxious or upset?
There is no shame in having mental or emotional distress or reaching out for help. The real shame is the stigma, misunderstanding, insensitivity and other reactions people may have about it. Likewise, the fear the effect that speaking with someone may have on their military career or civilian job can keep people from getting the support they need.
It takes courage, but it’s the first step to getting the help you need to feel better. Here at the 908th we have several providers on staff who are ready to hear your story and help you work out the challenges of life. The Chaplains and Director of Psychological Health can provide confidential support. Additionally, no records of your seeking help are kept, so it will not have a negative effect on your career or interactions with others. Please call the numbers below or stop by one of our offices to set up a time to discuss any issues. Let’s talk! DPH phone number is (334) 953-5980.