Elaine Allen posted on May 01, 2010 00:05
May 2010 Navy
by CAPT Elaine H. Allen, USN (Ret), Ombudsman, NOSC, North Island
Chillingly disturbed by increasing suicides among Warriors and their families, unprecedented effort is underway in the military to remove the stigma of asking for help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other stress manifestations. Part 1 sketched the results of new PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) research. This article will profile two powerful Navy efforts to identify and address “the invisible injuries” with resources and care, promised not to be career stoppers.
The Psychological Health Outreach Program (PHOP) is a safety net for “Navy Reservists returning from (GWOT) deployment who may experience a variety of challenges that can cause increased stress in their own and their family’s lives.” “The initial relief of returning home to family and loved ones can give way weeks or months later to feelings of depression and isolation which can aggravate... the stress of being mobilized.” Never before have Reservists received such strong direct outreach as the drill weekend visits by PHOP to “provide education, consultations, assessments, information and referral information to Sailors and their families.” At a unit meeting recently, a counselor asked for a show of hands of those who had experienced loud explosions while IA? Many hands were raised. They then asked how many had been screened for TBI? No hands. According to medical staff, Sailors are asked about this at least three times during reintegration processing. Thus, the PHOP team’s presentations provide a supportive non-threatening opportunity for the Warrior to reconsider physical and mental well being, individual and family stress, and suicidal thoughts. If needed, up to twelve sessions with these civilian counselors are available. Each RCC region has a PHOP team, which may be reached through calling the RCC office. If there is a hint of suicide, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1- (800)- 273- TALK.
PHOP counselors also participate in the Returning Warrior Workshops (RWW), a separate but related resource. These workshops provide a support and recognition weekend program for returned Warriors and spouse/parent to decompress under the trained eyes and guidance of professionals alert for those at risk. Held at regional five-star resorts stateside and Hawaii, there have been 27 such workshops, some with as many as 300 attendees. General Sessions can address “Operational Stress,” “Difference in Crisis Relief and Wellness,” “Military Families... our Newest Heroes!” Speakers represent Navy medical, Nurse Corps, and Chaplain Corps; facilitators are PHOP counselors and other trained personnel, sitting amongst Warriors and spouses, alert for signs of distress. One-on-one help is available, if required. The weekend culminates with a formal award-recognition dinner in which a senior flag officer presents certificates recognizing the service and sacrifice of each Warrior family. Orders to the RWW are available through Units or NOSC; all returned Warriors are strongly encouraged to attend.
Recently, Army Vice Chief of Staff General Peter Chiarelli said: “We are...working very, very hard...to eliminate the stigma long associated with seeking and receiving help. This is a matter of life and death; and it is absolutely unacceptable to have individuals suffering in silence because they’re afraid their peers or superiors will make fun of them, or worse, will adversely affect their careers.” Despair and suicidal thoughts/ attempts can’t wait. Stress or PTSD affects all Returning Warriors and their families to varying degrees.
These programs are cutting-edge efforts to identify and offer help immediately. Individually, let’s ramp up observing and hearing Warrior friends and families, to give new power and meaning to the creed the Navy (and military) really takes care of its own.