OCR Text |
Show Fighter .-Country m * February 24, 2005 ^^ Pain From Page B The doctor puts the pieces together to conclude, perhaps, • that I have the flu. 1 never worry that going to the medical clinic may create a blot in my records and be a barrier to future promotions or job opportunities. I just want to get over the flu and feel better. When I go to the life skills center, the mental health professional will ask about my symptoms, may request a medical test or two to rule out a physical condition and put the pieces together for a diagnosis. I don't worry what other people will think about going to the medical clinic; why should I worry about what others will think about going to the mental health clinic. My heaith and well being is what it's all about at either location. Whether you suffer from the same condition as I or have, some other problem you might need help with, I would urge you to pick up the phone and make a call before your problem gets out of control. What affect has my extensive mental health record had on my career? None. I've received Air Force-level awards for my job performance and been promoted before my peers - all while taking daily medications for depression. My security clearance was recently renewed even though I have a thick mental health record. And I've been put in positions of authority and high responsibility while deployed with a three or four-month supply of medication to various locations in Southwest Asia through the years. Don't listen to those who say having a record in the life skills center will be a blot on your career. Don't listen to those who say you are weak if you can't conquer your problem on your own. You can't cure yourself of appendicitis; why would you try to cure yourself of a mental condition? You don't have to. We have' professionals who can help you learn to live a happy, fulfilling life again. (Editor's Note: The article was submitted by a 388th Fighter Wing Airman.) Life Skills Center Experts available to help Airmen cope with issues By Master Sgt. Sonja Whittington 388th Fighter Wing Public.Affairs "We explain all this up front so people are comfortable talking to us. It is up to individuals on how much information they give us." Take care Most people who go in to the clinic just need a few visits to regain their emotional balance, he said. "If we can get people in for the little stuff and take care of them in two or three ses==^^^^=^^____^^_ sions, then they are better prepared (to handle larger issues) and we're not treating them for the big stuff." It's like taking care of yourself when you feel a cold coming on; if you get rest and take care of yourself, you probably won't develop pneumonia, CapLife skills staff tain Burpee explained. Life Skills - Capt. Michael Burpee Being seen at staffers include a 75th Medical Operations licensed clinical social worker the Life Skills Cenpsychiatrist, a psy==^===== ter doesn't neceschologist and a •^====== sarily jeopardize licensed clinical social worker. All active duty Airmen must be an Airman's career, Captain Burpee said. seen in the clinic; care for family members is Security clearances provided through TriCare providers. "Just being seen doesn't preclude someone "Unless it's for marital counseling," said from getting a secret or even top secret secuCaptain Burpee. "Then together they are seen rity clearance," he said. "It just depends on here." what the issues were, but for the vast majority of people, it has no impact." Unrecorded visits It goes back to getting help early - "preTo encourage Airmen to get help they may ventive care." as Captain Burpee put it. need when readjusting to home life after deploy"The idea is that you will be better prepared, ment, current policy allows for those returnbetter equipped to handle issues when or if ing from a combat zone to receive three unrecorded they return," he said. visits to the Life Skills Center. Aircrew staff "If you are having ongoing symptoms of depression - periods of sadness, an inability to For aircrew members, the rules are a little focus, an inability to maintain relationships different but still not career enders, Captain for more than a couple of weeks, you should Burpee explained. come in," Captain Burpee said. "When a pilot comes in, we have to notify the flight surgeon, who then makes the deterCareer Impact mination based on the information we provide But don't fear any career impact, he said. (whether the pilot should be removed from "I may take notes for my own personal flight status temporarily)," he said. But it's not use but the visits aren't recorded in your med- a career ender if we resolve the issue, he ical records and no file is kept here," explained said. Captain Burpee. Bottom Line There are a few situations that the Life Skills staff is required to report. The bottom line is that help is available and, if issues are addressed early, people don't need They are intent to harm yourself, intent to to worry about it affecting their careers. harm others, intent to harm to a child and an obvious violation of the Uniformed Code of To make an appointment at the Life Skills Military Justice, Captain Burpee said. Center, call 777-7909. The base's Life Skills Center, part of the 75th Medical Operations Squadron, is open for active-duty Airmen to receive both personal and family counseling services. ==^^^^^^== "It's OK to experience emotional pain... to feel guilt," said Capt. Michael Burpee, a licensed clinical social worker at the base clinic. "But if you carry it around for a great length of time, then it becomes a problem." "It's OK to experience emotional pain ... to feel guilt. But if you carry it around for a great length of time, then it becomes a problem." Challenges News on the Street 388th Fighter Wing Airmen are deploying often to different parts of the world. They are highly trained and ready to support the mission wherever they go. These Airmen provide insight to the following question: "What was the most challenging part about returning from deployment or being deployed?" Senior Airman Heriberto Dejesus Weapons Load crew member 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron "Being away from family and friends." Senior Airman Sonya Neuman Weapons Load crew member 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron "Cleaning my house from top to bottom when I got back." Staff Sgt. Allen Gould Assistant NCO of supply 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron "Getting readjusted to the weather and missing my fami•}$"• i.,v,;v,/ "'""••• Staff Sgt. Chad Leasure Inspection Section technician 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron "Adapting to a combat zone lifestyle and counting down the days to come back home." From Page A him. He told his wife Tonya, "Just tell me, what to do for a few Mrs. Harper said that the base's Family Support Center's weeks; I don't want to mess up your routine." Hearts Apart Program was most helpful. The four-hour-perHe said the hardest part during his reconstitution time (two month daycare voucher for Saturdays gave her a much-needed break, she said. weeks off) was that "my little baby girl didn't want me to hold her; she was scared, of me." Gradually, he said she realized that The biggest fear for Mrs. Harper was "wondering what would "this guy is not a stranger - he's staying here." happen if I got sick or hurt and couldn't take care of my kids. I Sergeant Harper also experienced challenges as he returned to mean, who would come help me?" She said she was thankful that his family. He emphasized openness and flexibility with his chil- a master sergeant from the squadron and his wife made contact dren. "Daddy'srules are sometimes different than Mommy's," he with her. said. "So when I; saw them sitting on the floor and eating cereal, She added that squadrons should create a list of names of I let them." -> ';;• spouses who choose to share their contact information so they Colonel Weggeman agrees with this approach. He recomcould network and comfort each other better. mended "making time to redevelop your family circle and rouSergeant Andiarenaramirez said that while deployed he made tine. Patience, open communication and planning remain the an effort to listen attentively to his wife's trials at home with their keys to success." four children. "We told each other how lonely we were and how hard it was, and then we refocused again. Sergeant Harper credited his successful deployment to his wife. "She is very understanding - she's great!" he said. "I can't "I also encouraged her to take time for herself; to get a babysitsay enough about her. She understands this is our job; that we're ter and walk around the mall or go to a movie," he said. a new expeditionary Air Force." Captain Knight's wife Carol found comfort by traveling to His wife Chris said the hardest part of the deployment "was spend time with her mother and six siblings. just being alone with my two children." The Harpers had only "Every family is unique," said Captain Knight. "Whatever been stationed here for three months before Sergeant Harper your way is, make it work for your family. Being deployed is not deployed. "We live off base and hadn't had much time to make easy by any stretch of the imagination. But if you are prepared, friends." have a plan, and communicate things will be much simpler." 2005 Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign Airmen helping Airmen Donations can go toward one or more of the following organizations The Air Force Aid Society The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widow's Fund The Air Force Village Indigent Widow's Fund The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation Contact your unit AFAF representative for details. Staff Sgt. Eddie Martin 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief "Readjusting to work because • the workload was a lot heavier there." Staff Sgt. Jeremy Stauty Weapons Load crew chief 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron "Being away from family arid being attacked by mortars and rockets." Tech Sgt. Jeff Burgos NCO in charge Information management 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron "Coming back and working in a non-deployable situation." |