Page 9 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, May 2019

Thunderbolt news May 2019 9 http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
May: Mental Health Awareness Month
Help available to many who suffer mental illness
by Airman 1st Class RICARDO CASTRO
56th Medical Operations Squadron
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to inform, educate and spread the importance of MH to the public. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental illness affects more people than most common ailments such as cancer and diabetes and affects one in five Americans. To put it into per- spective, this issue affects 18 percent of the U.S. population which is more than 44.7 million people. Clearly this is a concern which needs to be highlighted so we can decrease the stigma associated with mental health needs and help those who may be experiencing life-changing events, traumatic experiences, and en- vironmental stressors.
Mental illness doesn’t manifest itself like a visible wound. It often goes unno- ticed until it becomes an uncontrollable issue. Early intervention is key in ad- dressing MH-related concerns. Typical warning signs include significant weight loss, disturbances in sleep, low motiva- tion, decreased interests, recent grief, obsessive behavior, extensive memory
problems, irritability, increased anxiety, and feeling down or depressed. People may turn to alcohol or drug use as a way to cope, which can lead to further problems. Some healthy alternatives for this behavior include meditation, exercise, talking to friends and family, and seeking counselling.
MH problems can interfere with daily activities, work and relationships. Poor impulse control, erratic behavior, and unsound judgment are some of the be- haviors which can lead to flawed deci- sion making. This type of behavior can lead to poor financial management and can even have a negative effect on rela- tionships. If left untreated, these issues can lead to higher rates of divorce for those affected by it may lead to domestic violence.
Untreated symptoms can manifest as thoughts of suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Pre- vention, there are 129 suicides a day in the U.S. alone. If you or anyone you know have been experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others or even thoughts of never wanting to wake up, these should not be ignored and help should be immediately sought out.
The Luke Air Force Base Mental Health Clinic offers services to active- duty members and their dependents with walk-in hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Housed within the primary care/family practice, the Be- havioral Health Optimization Program specializes in brief counseling services for both AD, retirees and their depen-
dents. The military and family life con- sultant offers undocumented counseling services outside of a clinical setting for all beneficiaries. Never be afraid to reach out if you are experiencing an increased amount of stress or having difficulties coping. There is an abundance of services available to assist and ensure that you are getting the tools you need.
Resources
Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment ........................ 623-856-7579 Airmen & Family Readiness Center ....................................... 623-856-6550 Behavioral Health Optimization Program ............................. 623-856-2273 Employee Assistance Program ................................................ 800-222-0364 Chaplain ................................................................................... 623-856-6211 Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate ............................................ 602-789-3355 Family Advocacy Program ....................................................... 623-856-3417 In Transition............................................................................. 800-424-7877 Luke AFB Mental Health Clinic ............................................. 623-856-7579 Military & Family Life Consultant ......................................... 623-238-0565 Military One Source.................................................................800-707-5784 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.........................800-273-TALK (8255) Sexual Assault Response Coordinator .................................... 623-856-4878
For more information, call 623-856-7579.
Special U.S. Military rateS
In honor of the brave men and women who serve this country, Out of Africa
is proud to offer special military rates on general admission. The discout applies to active U.S. active duty military, U.S. cadets, and veterans. Must show proper I.D. at our admission gate (DD214 or State Veterans ID card), whether ticket is purchased at the park or online. Please note that no additional discounts apply. Family members of active and retired military can receive military discount with proper ID such as a DD Form 1172-1 or DD Form 1173.
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