Stress, everyone has it and the 315th Airlift Wing’s new director of Psychological Health has answered the call to help combat just that at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
With a welcoming smile, “I’m excited about making a change,” said Brenda Edmond, 315 AW director of Psychological Health here. “You can’t grow if you’re not changing and I’m excited about being a part of the 315 AW’s close-knit family.”
With over 30-years of experience in social work and mental health, Edmond has the ‘courage to care’ through short-term psychological treatments for reservists in need. Her compassion is apparent as she listened and learned from each person she met.
“Every day I learn from each person that walks through my office because they arrive with their own wealth of knowledge,” said Edmond.
With the many aspects of psychology in demand, the 315th Psychological Health Advocacy Program offers services for children, suicide prevention, substance abuse awareness, mental health awareness, financial management, anger management, domestic violence awareness & prevention, and employment assistance according to the PHAP website. Edmond has been molded to adapt to these roles.
Before becoming the 315 AW director of Psychological Health, “Edmond was a strong educator, trainer and leader on and off-base with the public and military communities,” said Jennifer Green, 628th Medical Group Family Advocacy Treatment Manager and Social Worker. Green shared over a decade with Edmond, strengthening JB Charleston’s mental health programs.
As a prior service member, Edmond has found that it’s common for Airmen to become overwhelmed with everyday responsibilities and she knew she could relate.
“My different roles as a mother, spouse and a retired Master Sergeant help me to relate to others and this motivated me to pursue psychological health,” said Edmond.
Edmond believed that the strength to overcome stressors is available through a variety of outlets.
“It’s ok to seek help or have an outlet,” said Edmond. “You can always call to schedule or knock on my door.”
With an open door and an open heart, Green witnessed Edmond’s compassion for helping clients first-hand. Edmond brought many strengths to the team such as being a strong problem solver, diligent and providing a wealth of knowledge.
“Edmond would be an asset to any team, the 315 AW is lucky to have her,” said Green.
The 315 AW offers Edmond an opportunity to explore the different dynamics of the Reserve and she wants each individual to feel like they have gained something by reaching out to her. She helps build resilience one Airman at a time.
“I help people see the light at the end of the tunnel because there’s always a silver lining,” said Edmond.
Please visit https://www.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/PHAP/ to learn more about the Air Force Reserve Command Psychological Health Advocacy Program.
For more information about the 315 AW Psychological Health Program reach out by calling 843-963-3559 or stopping by the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, building 366, at JB Charleston.