During PTSD Awareness Month, Maj. Gen. John J. DeGoes and Kendall met with medical professionals from the 316th Medical Group to discuss existing activities and new regulations targeted at facilitating access to mental health resources.
At a number of sites, we are testing a focused mental health treatment strategy.
We are classifying members based on their needs and directing them to the proper support and care.
There is a common misconception that every patient need a mental health checkup, but this is not necessarily the case, according to DeGoes.
A chaplain or a Military and Family Life Counselor may be necessary for certain people, while group therapy may be helpful for others.
Because of this, there are shorter waits for mental health appointments and more people have access to all accessible mental health resources.
The key to controlling PTSD is developing the abilities to deal with pressures and knowing when to ask for help.
The AFMS is extending its Operational Support Team model, in which caregivers rotate across units, in an effort to bring care closer to service members and families.
Training in emotional intelligence and techniques for dealing with the pressures that come with their particular operational environment are among the PTSD prevention measures used by the community of remotely piloted aircraft.
Lt. Col. Catherine Callender, deputy Air Force Director of Psychological Health, Air Force Medical Readiness Agency, stated that trauma-focused therapies have proven to be the most successful kind of treatment for helping patients deal with traumatic events.
“Prolonged exposure therapy is one example; practitioners gradually assist patients in confronting the memories they have been avoiding and in addressing ideas that may be leading to troubles.”
The DAF is constantly working to ensure that all members with PTSD receive the most recent and efficient evidence-based care.
Up to 95% of people who receive therapy and finish it after being diagnosed no longer fulfill the criteria for the disease.
“Mental health care is health care, and the old myth that a diagnosis would spell the end of someone’s career is antiquated because of growing support, medical research, and altering policies,” Kendall said.
“Every Airman and Guardian is essential to our goal, and the entire team must perform at its peak. One Team, One Combatant.
After coining three Airmen and expressing gratitude to all DAF mental health specialists for their commitment to their work and the mission, Kendall concluded his visit.