RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Many struggle with the thought of seeking help for a variety of issues, such as depression and everyday stress. But when it becomes too much, those issues can turn into something bigger or even suicide.
“Everyone is responsible when it comes to preventing suicide,” said Capt. Amanda Kruszewski, 48th Medical Group internal behavioral health consultant. “Creating an environment where help-seeking behaviors are encouraged, supporting those needing help, and encouraging positive thinking are things everyone should be ready to step up and assist with.”
The 48th MDG implemented the Behavior Health Optimization Program First Stop initiative, which encourages those who need help receive it before it becomes too overwhelming.
“It’s a 20-minute consultation, where we determine what interventions can make a difference now, then meet back up in a couple of weeks to see where you’re at and determine if more care is needed,” Kruszewski said.
The program is in place for Tricare beneficiaries to manage anything with a behavioral component, such as depression, anxiety, pain, problem solving, tobacco cessation and weight management.
“There’s so much we can do to make it better, so if people come in and see us for issues such as anxiety or depression, they often see their lives get better relatively quickly,” she said.
Though it may be hard to contact a medical professional for help, personnel are better off doing so early on, rather than waiting and making a treatable situation worse.
“There’s this fundamental difficulty we have in saying ‘something is not right.’ Presenting that to somebody is really hard,” she said. “Even just talking to the military family life consultant, can be really difficult because it requires admitting they need help.”
Each Airman plays a bigger role than the professionals at the mental health clinic. Building strong relationships, the kind where wingmen know how one another is doing, can be the most important part of suicide prevention. It comes down to asking and caring, and if needed, escorting to services.
“You can honestly just do the math on people’s lives – this person is getting a bunch of paperwork lately, maybe they’re consistently late, perhaps they look disheveled, they’re not eating the same, or they make reduced eye contact – these are just some of the things to look out for,” Kruszewski said. “There are the obvious signs such as talking about suicide or giving away their stuff, but really it’s just more subtle than that. The more we ask and care, the better it gets.”
Keeping an eye out, an ear open, and just letting family, friends and coworkers know someone is there for them, can all go a long way in helping save a life.
For more information on the BHOP First Stop initiative or to speak with a mental health representative, contact the appointment line at 01638 528010 or DSN 226-8010.