May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Jim Remington | Air Force Capt. Eanah M. Whaley, a psychologist with the 579th Medical Group Mental Health Flight at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, listens to a patient during a counseling session.  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

05.23.2017

Courtesy Story

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

By Staff Sgt. Charles Metts
579 Medical Operations Squadron, Mental Health Flight

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Mental Health Clinic wants everyone to know what resources are available as well as break down the stigma associated with seeking mental health services.

Many service members with high-level security clearances often worry about seeking mental health services, because they fear it may cause their clearance to be either suspended or denied. However, a past or present mental health issue is not, by itself, a disqualifying condition for a security clearance.

Many leaders would rather have their members proactively seek help when a problem first begins rather than retroactively respond to a problem affecting work, family, and other aspects of the member’s life. There is no expectation for any service member to walk through hardship alone.

JBAB has many resources available for people experiencing any type of distress. The Mental Health Clinic is here to help – not to take away clearances, jobs, privacy or independence – rather, to enhance performance and be a force multiplier. The Mental Health Clinic often times receives feedback from members stating they would have come in sooner had they known about the privacy practices.

“I credit the mental health clinic for helping me get out of the depression I was sinking into,” said Chief Master Sgt. Regina Pullin, marketing and outreach superintendent with the U.S. Air Force Band. "I was a senior NCO who thought she had it all together – that is, until everything went wrong all at once. I hated my job, and the boss I worked for, my engagement was called off, my best friend attempted suicide, and my father passed away. This was the first time that I felt alone.”

When she could barely get out of bed, Pullin decided to seek professional help from the mental health clinic, and she said it was encouraging to see other service members of all ranks and ethnicities there.

“People need to understand that of all careers, serving in the military requires great responsibility. With that responsibility, comes potentially greater stress. If it isn't managed properly, it can affect you mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally,” she said. “There are so many resources available to our military members. Research them. Talk to a provider or a chaplain, and find one that what works for you, so you can be the best you.

“I am a huge advocate for our mental health clinic and providers,” Pullin added. “My only regret is not going sooner. They are professional and continue to do phenomenal things to keep our military healthy and strong."

If you have a situation and don’t know where to go, call the JBAB Mental Health Clinic, 202-767-0611.

Other resources available:
Behavioral Health Optimization Program: 202-404-7992
Military Family Life Consultant: 202-767-0450
Base Chaplain: 202-767-5900, after hours: 202-439-4343
Military One Source: 800-342-9647
Military Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Date Taken: 05.23.2017
• Date Posted: 05.23.2017 08:56
• Story ID: 234837
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US