SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Team Seymour has continuously improved its efforts to foster a culture of healthy behavior. By using helping organizations such as Mental Health, the Family Advocacy Program and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, the leadership at Seymour Johnson AFB are dedicated to helping Airmen seek assistance and make responsible choices.
To strengthen leadership skillsets and offer a clear direction and avenues with regard to various mental health programs, the 4th Medical Group hosted a mental health symposium in a group discussion format to promote cross-talk and open dialogue among base supervision.
Lt. Col. Nicole Garris, 4th Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight commander, said the point of the training is to make senior leaders more aware of the mental health programs available to them and their Airmen.
Senior Master Sgt. Tiwanda Griffin-Greer, 4th Operations Group first sergeant, believes programs like this are necessary to help supervisors recognize early warning signs and take appropriate steps to help their Airmen.
“Opportunities to educate new commanders and First Sgts. and keeping the more experienced ones refreshed is a key concept to sustainment,” said Greer.
Greer also said Airmen need to be mentally healthy to complete the mission and these programs keep leadership abreast on how to do it. Otherwise, the issues can affect the Airmen’s performance, job and quality of life.
According to Greer and Capt. Christina Stabile, 4th MDOS family advocacy officer, early detection allows leaders to be proactive in deterring potential situations that may arise.
While there's no easy way to know if an Airman needs support, some early warning signs can include an Airman being tired from lack of sleep, changes in their eating habits and consuming more alcohol than normal. Changes in their social behavior, such as irritability or being more reserved, are other indicators that something may be going on.
One proactive measure, according to Greer, is to use the different levels of mental health care. Each level is comprised of different habits displayed by Airmen and who they should be directed to in order to solve possible dilemmas.
Wingmen should talk to an Airman who exhibits any of the early warning signs and report the behavior to their supervisor. If the Airman shows any signs of harming themselves or others, escort them immediately to a member in their chain of command, a Chaplain or a behavioral health professional.
“It’s important that our leadership can see early warning signs, but it’s even better if the Airmen seek help from their noncommissioned officers and senior noncommissioned officers in the beginning,” said Stabile.
By Airmen seeking out help themselves they’ll get to a solution faster. The best way to solve the problem, according to Greer, is to seek out help.
Programs are in place to help all Airmen with a multitude of quandaries. Whether its alcohol, drugs, thoughts of suicide, or situations that cause sleeplessness, there are programs available to help.
According to Garris, most Airmen and most people don’t understand how a small problem can create such a burden that can impact their life in a huge way.
“I want whoever may be reading this to know that their leadership is dedicated to taking care of our Airmen,” said Greer. “We take it seriously and we take it personally. We are here to help you get help and to get you through your situation, please let us.”
For more information on the programs and services available, please contact Mental Health.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 919-722-1883 or 919-722-1802, option 1, then option 4
Additional services include:
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment: The primary objective is to promote readiness, health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and abuse. The program is designed to identify risk factors and help individuals avoid hazardous substance use before it causes significant damage to their health and career. Call 919-722-1802 for more information.
Exceptional Family Member Program: Designed to provide support to military family members with special needs. All branches of the military offer EFMP, and each service includes a variety of personnel, medical and family support functions under the EFMP umbrella. For more information call 919-722-1802 or visit: http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/EFMP/.
Family Advocacy Program: The Family Advocacy Program has a myriad of services for the prevention and treatment of family maltreatment. Call 919-722-1883 for more information.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response: Reinforces the Air Force's commitment to eliminate sexual assaults through awareness and prevention training, education, victim advocacy, response, reporting, and accountability. The Air Force promotes sensitive care and confidential reporting for victims of sexual assault and accountability for those who commit these crimes. For more information call 919-722-7272 or 919-920-7272 after hours.
In the case of a medical emergency, dial 911.