AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Traumatic events can happen at any time; so the 31st Medical Operations Squadron Disaster Mental Health team remains ready to provide Team Aviano with psychological support.
After a traumatic event that affects a large group of people, the DMH team activates to become a resource commanders can call upon.
“Our team includes the mental health clinic, the chaplains and the Airman and Family Readiness Center,” said Capt. Jocelyn Moore, 31st MDOS DMH team chief. “We’re one united team that provides emotional and spiritual support.”
If called upon, representatives of the team will brief everyone affected by the traumatic event on the team’s available resources. The team also discusses coping skills and the normal range of responses following a traumatic incident, such as emotional numbness, sadness or anxiety. If a person feels they need additional support, they can make an appointment with mental health.
“Sometimes it feels cliché, but those who embrace the Whole Airman Concept are better able to respond, manage and cope with traumatic events,” said Moore. “Someone with a deficit in any one of the pillars may find it more difficult to bounce back.”
Due to the negative stigma that sometimes surrounds receiving mental health support, the 31st MDOS offers four off-the-record sessions with the DMH team.
“These aren’t counselling sessions,” said Moore. “It’s more of a consultation to help people cope with their current situation.”
Moore recommended, for those who experience a traumatic incident, to maintain established routines and avoid negative thought processes, increased alcohol consumption or isolation. They should also surround themselves with a support system of friends, family and community and seek additional help if needed.
It doesn’t take a traumatic event to receive aid from the mental health team. Active duty service members and their dependents can also seek counselling from mental health team members following personally traumatic incidents. For more information, call the mental health office at 0434-30-5321.