Are you coping with Stress?

Photo By Thomas Wheeler | If you are having problems with stress try reading the Soldier's guide to help with deployment relasted stress problems.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.09.2006

Story by Spc. Yolanda Moreno Leon 

138th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL Iraq - Soldiers experiencing stress can receive help from the 2-12th Combat Stress Control Detachment on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq.

Their primary mission is to help Soldiers deal with stress while deployed in a combat environment.

"A lot of Symptoms we see are Stress, Acute Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder," said Major Ronald Atkinson, officer in charge for combat stress. "A lot of problems we see are Soldiers dealing with family issues back home."

According to Atkinson several Soldiers either have anger issues or they come to the point where they are nervous to go outside the wire. They usually shake when they try to tell us and a lot of them are just angry.

"We tell Soldiers to talk to someone, communicate their problems, see a Chaplain," said Atkinson. "We also tell them to see a Mental Health Provider or a Combat Stress Provider."

The Combat Stress Control Team informs Soldiers to use the Morale Welfare and Recreation facilities (MWR) at FOB Marez as a place for them to relieve stress and relax.

Atkinson said some Soldiers have sleep problems so we give them tips on how to sleep better.

"We give them cards to read like Soldier in Distress, Leaders hip pocket training guide, and Help you Soldier buddy in distress," Atkinson said.

Combat Stress has a prevention team and Fitness Team.

"The Fitness team usually consists of a Psychiatric Nurse, Psychiatrist and a Psychologist, and an occupational therapist," said Sgt. Tyrone Thompson, Prevention Team NCOIC. The Prevention team consists of a Social Worker, Psychologist and a Mental Health Specialist."

"We have a lot of successful stories in helping Soldiers along the way cope with stress," Atkinson said. "If you feel you are stressed out, talk about it before it is too late."

• Date Taken: 05.09.2006
• Date Posted: 05.09.2006 12:31
• Story ID: 6314
• Location: MOSUL, IQ