PINELLAS PARK, Fla. – May is mental health awareness month and in an effort to promote awareness and to encourage discussion, Soldiers assigned to the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team we asked to define resiliency.
“Resiliency means the ability to overcome any situation and bounce back from adversity,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Thomas, a readiness NCO assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment. “Through resiliency Soldiers are able to deal with life’s misfortune and are then able to focus on positive things in their lives.”
Staff Sgt. Katie Bielecki, a training NCO assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 53rd Brigade Support Battalion, shared a similar definition stating that to her resiliency means learning how to bounce back from a setback and, more importantly, becoming a better person because of it.
Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to reassuring Soldiers, Army Civilians and their Families that there is strength in seeking help.
“Anyone dealing with a mental health issue should not be afraid to admit they are having problems,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Backmann a resilience training assistant assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment. “It is the stronger Soldier who seeks out help and isn’t afraid to talk about his or her issues.”
Every year Soldiers receive training as a part of the Army’s Ready and Resilient Campaign. The training is geared towards enhancing the ability of Soldiers, Army civilians and Families to manage the rigors and challenges of a demanding profession.
“Soldiers today are very different than those of generations past,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ramos, a human resources NCO assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment. “Today’s Soldier not only faces the challenge of an enemy, which is difficult enough, but also has to react to growing political and social pressures that influence his actions.”
Learning how to cope with stress is just one of the goals of the campaign. Leadership involvement is vital to the success of the program and to the Army as a whole.
“A command climate that does not encourage Soldiers to seek help, when needed, is damaging to the morale, unity and operation of a unit,” said Bielecki.
Encouraging Soldiers to seek help and ensuring they have the support of their chain of command reinforces the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.
“If you have a problem that is considerably affecting your life and have failed in resolving it yourself, you need to talk someone,” said Sgt. Ryan Starnes the assistant operations NCO assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment.
The Ready and Resilient campaign also includes reinforcing prevention, and supporting the reduction of suicide and suicidal ideations, sexual harassment and sexual assault, bullying and hazing, substance abuse, domestic violence; and stigma barriers associated with seeking help.
“Seeking help, when it is needed, is the first step in solving an issue a Soldier may be dealing with,” said Bielecki. “By encouraging Soldiers to seek help, you are encouraging Soldiers to fix issues that may be effecting their well-being.”
Last month, the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team participated in a pledge against sexual assault and harassment. Commanders at every level are responsible for maintaining the readiness of their units and ensuring each Soldier has the tools and skills they need to succeed is a major part of readiness.
“Often, we focus on physical health through PRT and exercising, or spiritual health through the use of Unit Ministry Teams,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Birnbaum a human resources NCO assigned to 53rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “However, mental health is just as important as it can negatively impact a Soldier accomplishing his or her duties which, in turn, effects the mission of the command and the intent of the commander.”
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2015 14:26 |
| Story ID: | 163978 |
| Location: | PINELLAS PARK, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 116 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, 'Gator’ Brigade stands ready and resilient, by SSG Aidana Baez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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