NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – Between operational demands, family responsibilities and the pressures of military service, Airmen can face stressors that affect both their well-being and overall readiness.
Although the Air Force offers a range of support services, stigma, fear and uncertainty can still prevent Airmen from seeking help when they need it most.
"A large barrier often seen in my career field is the 'just keep going' mindset," said Jamie Ellis, 926th Wing director of psychological health. "Many don't feel they have a voice to tell supervisors they need help over the fear that speaking up will affect their careers in some way, shape or form."
Every Airman contributes to the mission, but mission accomplishment depends on keeping a healthy and determined force. Leaders and peers play an important role in fostering an environment where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
"To improve mental health awareness in general, we need to provide better communication," said Ellis. "Building community and making mental health a part of everyday conversation can mean the world to those who need it."
Those conversations can help Airmen address challenges before they become crises. Building healthy ways to manage everyday stress is also an important part of maintaining a resilient force.
"Stress in general is the overwhelming issue Airmen face, and how we cope with it determines our resilience," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Victor Banks, 926th Wing first sergeant. "Building the four pillars — physical, mental, social and spiritual — gives you a foundation to absorb life’s blows. Neglect one, and you’re more likely to stumble.”
Maintaining those pillars can become difficult to maintain when Airmen choose to face challenges alone rather than lean on those around them.
"Isolation can be extremely harmful," said Banks. "Humans have evolved to be social, and prolonged moments of isolation can be extremely detrimental to your overall health." Beyond building social connections, hobbies and volunteer opportunities can provide healthy ways to manage stress before it gets out of control.
"People respond to different things. What helps one person might not help another," said Ellis. "Experiment until you find what works. These everyday habits keep small stresses from becoming immense."
Knowing where to turn can be just as important as recognizing when help is needed. The Air Force offers resources ranging from clinical mental health care to counseling, spiritual support and assistance with everyday concerns.
Among those resources are military mental health clinics, Military OneSource, the Military and Family Readiness Center, chaplains and the Military and Family Life Counseling program. Each offering different forms of support based on an Airman's needs.
Chaplains provide one of the most accessible forms of support, offering confidential counseling regardless of a person's faith or religious background. Whether discussing personal struggles, stress or relationship concerns, chaplains remain a trusted resource outside the chain of command.
The Military and Family Life Counseling Program or MFLC offers free, short-term, nonmedical counseling for service members and their families. Licensed counselors assist with military life, deployments, relationships, family concerns and other everyday challenges through services available both on and off the installation. For Airmen who are unsure where to begin, a first sergeant can help identify the appropriate resource and guide them through the next steps.
"I know people may be uncomfortable speaking to first sergeants because of our ranks and the fact that we're mandatory reporters for certain incidents, including abuse, sexual assault, and other violations affecting the welfare of personnel," said Banks. “Still, we’re Airmen first. We’ll listen, point you to the right resources — whether that’s a mental health specialist or a chaplain, we’ll do everything we can to get you the support you need.”
Building a resilient force starts with knowing when to ask for help and encouraging others to do the same. By recognizing changes in behavior, checking in on teammates and connecting them with available resources, Airmen can help strengthen both the individual and the mission.
Helping agencies and support services:
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2026 19:27 |
| Story ID: | 574532 |
| Location: | NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Finding the right support: Connecting Airmen with the care they need, by SrA Isaiah Pedrazzini, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
