48th FW Mental Health Flight bolsters Airmen resiliency

Photo By Staff Sgt. Shanice Ship | Airman 1st Class China Black (left) and Senior Airman Brianne Herklotz (right), mental health technicians assigned to the 48th Medical Group Mental Health Flight, sit and converse in the hospital reception area at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 31, 2018. The Mental Health Flight is one resource available to assist Airmen and dependents with Mental Health concerns, and is one of three clinics in the Air Force that implements the Intensive Outpatient Program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Shanice Williams-Jones)  

BRANDON, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

05.31.2018

Story by Airman 1st Class Shanice Ship 

48th Fighter Wing

Sunlight streams through the blinds and lights up the room with a warm glow that doesn't chase the numbness away. There is an ever present heavy weight that seems to expand as every movement to the restroom takes carefully considered effort. The vanity mirror is as thick as the glass that separates this world where time moves slowly.

For some, this is what depression feels like. It can be increasingly difficult for someone to work up the courage to share their feelings with others. For those who do, facilitating a place of trust and comfort creates a welcoming environment to help someone through their personal struggle.

One mental health professional found that she possessed the ability to create that environment for others.

"As far back as I can remember, people always shared their personal thoughts with me. My husband was enlisted and when I would attend gatherings with his friends, the minute he walks out of the room, they would tell me things they didn't seem inclined to share when others were around." said Capt. Amanda Kruszewski, a clinical psychologist assigned to the 48th Medical Group Mental Health Flight.

Royal Air Force Lakenheath Mental Health clinic is the only facility in the United States Air Forces in Europe -Air Forces Africa command and only one of three across the Air Force that implements the Intensive Outpatient Program. It is a two-week group-based program for patients that involves physical exercise, nutrition, and sleep management.

This program involves almost every provider in the 48th Mental Health Flight according to Kruszewski.

“One of the biggest things for providers is how invested we get into the care of our patients,” she said. “We form a bond when we work with them toward their goals.”

Many service members view the Air Force as a big family. Through the comradery, Airmen can find familial support. For those who may seek help, this bond can serve as the critical support structure they need.

"One of the most significant things with the military is we have an entire support group that is dedicated to our welfare and mental stability," said Senior Airman Elizabeth Taranto, a broadcast journalist assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing. "We're professionals all the time but my supervisor became my family when he noticed something was off. That's important to have."

According to Kruszewski, the shift in acceptance of mental health professionals being an invaluable component towards attaining overall fitness, bolsters an Airman’s ability to not only seek help when it is needed, but to also encourage others who may need help as well.

"I don't like to be over-exposed but letting the right person in is the best thing you'll ever do," said Taranto.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2018
• Date Posted: 06.21.2018 08:33
• Story ID: 281763
• Location: BRANDON, SFK, GB