ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. –
One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to mental health is that those needing help have to be a complete lunatic to see a counselor or a doctor.
Everyone encounters difficult struggles and hardships in their lifetime. Each individual has their own means of handling problems, though not always in the most beneficial way.
When faced with balancing tough issues, the state of one's mental health can be affected. In short, mental health can be defined as the wellbeing of a person's mind, which also includes emotional and social topics.
"People go to get help of the body, but they also need doctors for mental and emotional wellness," said Senior Master Sgt. Anthony R. Petty, 79th Mental Health Flight Superintendent. "That's where we come in."
Sometimes people have trouble asking for help. "The hardest step is making that call, making that appointment," said Airman 1st Class Paul J. Carter, mental health technician.
Most people have friends, family, or maybe even coworkers they can confide in.
"Sometimes it's easier to talk to a stranger than someone you've known for a long time, for hopes of not shattering our image in their eyes," said Airman Carter. "Sometimes it helps to just have that second or third person to reach out to."
Senior Master Sgt. Petty says he's seen his share of mental health cases from depression and mood disorders, to adjustment disorders. "Everybody goes through a struggle." He has also helped patients struggling with alcohol dependency; defined as a patient who needs alcohol to function properly, or those dealing with alcohol substance abuse or who drinks excessively.
Treatment for mental health matters vary. By merely talking to one of the clinic's psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers may solve a situation, but there are some problems that may require prescribed mediations.
For example, medications such as sertaline (Zolof) and paroxetine (Paxil) are sometimes used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or if a patient has been diagnosed with dementia; cholimesterase inhibitors, antidepressants/anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants can be prescribed, according to research.
For mental health workers, it's important to keep work and home life separate. "We have to take care of ourselves before we can take care of our patients," said Airmen Carter.
It's obvious that they are passionate about what they do and the patients they take care of; though it is a tough job. " . . .But it is rewarding," said Sergeant Petty.
"If we start letting the work affect us, we can make things a lot worse for the entire environment," said Sgt. Petty.
"I love it... I love every single part of [my job]," said Airman Carter.
The next time you become emotionally drained and feel as if you can't speak to anyone about your issues, the doctors, counselors, and technicians at Malcolm Grow Medical Center are always there to help. All you have to do is take that first step and make that appointment.