Quantico says Namaste at Prince William Forest Park

Photo By Valerie OBerry | Service members and civilians sit in Prince William Forest Park and learn yoga techniques to alleviate stress. (Photo by Jeremy Beale)  

QUANTICO, VA, UNITED STATES

09.28.2017

Story by Jeremy Beale 

Marine Corps Base Quantico

The retreat was a collaborative effort between many of the MCCS behavioral health programs aimed at providing tangible stress management, relaxation and mindfulness techniques to enhance quality of life.
Mental health and/or substance use disorders affect people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, geographic regions and socioeconomic levels.
The event welcomed service members and civilians from Marine Corps Base Quantico and surrounding communities to learn about stress-related problems and the significant risk factors that coincide with the host of mental and physical health problems surrounding substance abuse and suicide.
Participants were introduced to an array of basic techniques such as doing tasks with attention rather than distraction and being aware of how the body is impacted by an individual’s thoughts.
They explored breathing and yoga exercises that could be conducted at work in an attempt to keep calm when irritated or stressed.
According to Rebecca Childress, prevention specialist at Family Advocacy, the park located right outside of base is truly a hidden gem which feels like a little mini-vacation from the day-to-day stresses many encounter—a beautiful and peaceful natural setting which is be the perfect place to focus, relax and unwind from stress.
“Oftentimes, individuals who experience a mental health and/or substance use disorder feel isolated and alone,” Rebecca Cunningham, clinical counselor, Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center said. “It’s important that we offer support to individuals facing mental health and/or substance use disorders and create environments and relationships that promote acceptance.”
Having worked in the recovery field for more than 10 years, Cunningham believes too many people are still unaware that prevention works and that mental and substance use disorders can be treated, just like other health problems.
“It takes support from families to fully recover,” Cunningham said. “If family members have the tools to start conversations about prevention, treatment and recovery, then individuals who embrace recovery achieve improved mental and physical health and form stronger relationships.”
As the retreat was the final event for September’s awareness month, MCCS behavioral health urges the community to continue the conversation and practice using the tools provided.
Cunningham reminds the community that there are no wrong doors and urge the community to let people know about the free, confidential help that is available:

For information about future events, or if you have questions about MCCS Behavioral health programs, visit the behavioral health program website at www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org or call 703-784-3502.
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• Date Taken: 09.28.2017
• Date Posted: 10.30.2017 08:10
• Story ID: 253290
• Location: QUANTICO, VA, US