Holiday Crafts for Stress Relief

Photo By Maj. Demietrice Pittman | Servicemembers paint rocks during the craft night held on 22 December 2019 at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. Soldiers are encouraged to hide the “happy rocks” around post to spread cheer to others as they are away from their families  

KOSOVO

12.22.2019

Story by Maj. Demietrice Pittman 

Task Force Medical

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo- The Behavioral Health Department of Task Force Medical (TF-MED) hosted a Craft night on 22 December 2019 on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. The theme of the evening was Happy Holidays. Soldiers who attended were able to participate in various crafts including coloring, painting rocks, and building coin displays and making dream catchers.
The event aimed to help establish comradery during a difficult time away from loved ones and boosted the Soldiers’ psychological health because it fosters closeness. When people face something stressful, they are more likely to turn to others if they feel close to them.
“I love wood working and really enjoyed being able to put together the keepsake box, stated SFC Josh Mccoy, a licensed practical nurse assigned to TFMED. “I have also completed the dreamcatcher and sent it home to my daughter.”
The kits that were put together were donated by a nonprofit organization called Help Heal Veterans- www.healvets.org. On their website it states that they were established in 1971 and provides free therapeutic arts and craft kits to Veterans. The kits are designed to improve fine motor skills, cognitive functioning, manage stress and also improve self-esteem and overall physical and mental health. Since inception, they have delivered over 31 million kits.
The Behavioral Health team reached out to the organization in September and since then they have sent numerous kits to the medical unit, who hosts events to share them. Psychological readiness is important for overall medical readiness for Servicemembers. If individuals are stressed, they may also have problems eating or sleeping and may lead to getting sick easier. During deployments with limited staff, it is important to try to maintain the health readiness of all members of the team.
The Behavioral Health team also encouraged individuals to be on the lookout for signs of stress in their buddies.
Recognizing the Signs
They were encouraged to stay alert to the signs and symptoms below:
• Trouble eating, sleeping or concentrating
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Feeling disconnected from family and friends
• Being more sensitive than usual
• Not taking care of yourself (e.g. hygiene)
• Easily bothered or trouble controlling your anger
• Often confused
• Rash behavior
• Feelings of fear, nervousness or anxiety
• Extreme mood swings
Resources for reaching out for help were also shared:
• Connect with Real Warriors Live Chat
• Call the Psychological Health Resource Center at 866-966-1020 to speak with a trained health resource consultant, available 24/7 to help answer questions and identify support services in your community
• Contact the Military Crisis Line for 24/7 confidential support by calling 1-800-273-8255, texting 838255 or chatting online at www.militarycrisisline.net

• Date Taken: 12.22.2019
• Date Posted: 12.23.2019 10:29
• Story ID: 356979
• Location: ZZ