927 ARW welcomes new Director of Psychological Health

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joe Simms
  • 927 ARW Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  In an effort to focus on the psychological wellness of Air Force Reservists and their families, Air Force Reserve Command recently created 29 new positions to serve as wing commanders' principal consultant on psychological health.

Michelle Lind, Director of Psychological Health, 927th Air Refueling Wing MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., is the second individual selected by the command to ensure services are in place to help members and their families achieve and sustain psychological health.

"Reservists have tools such as the gym to help them maintain their physical health and chaplains to maintain their spiritual health and now they have a social worker to help with the emotional and mental stressors of their lives," Lind said. "This is what is described as the "whole person" concept."

With a Master's Degree in social work and a PhD in health sciences, Lind's background provides her with a unique perspective when it comes to understanding what it means to be psychologically healthy.

"Psychological health is not just the presence or lack of a mental health diagnosis. It's how you are coping with work, family, and life in general," Lind said. "Members can come to me with anything that is causing them stress. If it is out of my area of expertise, I will gladly listen and provide a referral."

Lind reminds everyone she meets with that people are multifaceted and psychological health is not something that can be easily measured, which is why it is important to discuss the stress in our lives.

"A person may have stressors such as a health or financial issue, or they may feel stress caused by an issue a family member may be dealing with," she said. "We all have good days and bad days. But if you are having more bad days than good days then it may be time to look at what is causing your stress and find the best way to cope with it."

Lind's role is not that of a mental health professional one would find in a traditional clinical setting. The wing DHP provides non-clinical consultations and referrals, crisis intervention, and counseling on post deployment issues, all of which may be discussed in a comfortable and non-threatening setting.

"Reservists and their family members can come to me to discuss a variety of stressors, and depending on the stressor, I can direct them to a resource to better address their needs. Or if someone is just having a bad day I can serve as a sounding board. Hypothetical questions or scenarios are always welcome," Lind said.

Meeting with the DPH does not require members to go to a medical center and for non-clinical coaching, there is no record or documentation of the visit. Members also have the option to meet on or off base if they need advice or would like to confide in a confidential source.

The confidentiality and non-threatening environment Lind provides sets herself apart as a "work/life coach" instead of the traditional mental health professional, she says.

"Sometimes just having a sounding board can help reduce stress and it is my hope that over time people realize that talking to someone about their mental health is vital to their well-being."

To contact Michelle Lind, Director or Psychological Health, call 813-282-4391 or email at michelle.lind@us.af.mil. Topics of discussion are confidential with the exception of instances when members indicate an intention to harm themselves or others.