PSA about Mental Health Awareness

  • Published
  • By Capt. Caleb Shepard
  • 97 Medical Operations Squadron
May is Mental Health Awareness Month which dates back to 1949. Mental Health America created this observance to fight stigma, raise awareness and advocate for policy to support access to mental health services. Each year a theme is adopted that encapsulates current trends or important topics in the field. This year is “Fitness #4Mind4Body,” emphasizing the vital link between mental and physical health. 


Maintaining fitness in the military has tremendous value, not only for career progression but for maintaining readiness and fulfilling Airmen’s capability as an expeditionary force. Historically, physical fitness has been promoted as a way to improve our physical health and prolong life. However, discoveries in the field of neuroscience have found an important connection among physical activity and mental functioning. 


With the increasing demands Airmen face in today’s military, many could benefit from improved memory. Despite what many may think, aging doesn’t lead to permanent loss of brain cells. Instead, evidence of neurogenesis (i.e., creation of new brain cells) was first demonstrated in 1962 by Joseph Altman. After decades of research, it was discovered that neurogenesis was surprisingly stimulated by cardiovascular exercise. So, why is this important? Because our brain’s performance can be noticeably improved by doing cardio. 


What’s more is that research on fitness also found a link between cardiovascular exercise and reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression. Some researchers have even concluded that exercise is comparable to anti-depressant medication and plays an important factor in preventing relapse of depression. 


Most of us have experienced the mental and emotional benefits of exercise first hand. If you’ve ever gone for a run after a stressful day, you probably noticed a substantial improvement in your mood. Considering mental health problems are more common than most realize, 1 in 6 U.S. adults live with a mental illness, it would seem that regular exercise would benefit just about everyone in some way. So why aren’t more people on board? And why is it so hard to stick to a workout program? 


For some of us, knowledge about the benefits of working out provides the motivation to start up a cardio program. Unfortunately, I think the trouble for many is finding the time (or at least that’s what we tell ourselves), and chronic stress can act as a vicious cycle that saps your motivation. 


So what’s the answer? Breaking the cycle of stress is not simple, but absolutely attainable. Important questions to ask oneself are: Am I ready to commit if there’s a chance it could help? Are my current habits working for me? What is getting in my way from making this a priority? If you do decide to make a commitment, tell your wingman, close friend or significant other about it, or even share it on social media. There is considerable value in letting someone know your goals and hold you accountable. Saying a commitment out loud to someone can also make it feel more important and tangible. The crucial thing is to make the goal your own—to feed your desire for self-improvement rather than just avoiding a failed fitness assessment. We can find time for anything if we make it a priority. 


There are numerous resources on base to help. The Altus AFB Fitness Center has multiple classes available in addition to personal training which can be found on their website, http://www.altusfss.com/fitnesscenter. There is also an Altus Running Club available to join on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/runaltus. For other fitness-related concerns, contact your primary care manager at the 97 MDG, Bldg. 46, 481-5235. 


Mental health problems are common. In fact, the CDC estimated lifetime prevalence of mental illness to be at about 50% in 2004. This means that statistically half of us will have a mental health concern at some point in our life. It’s important to remain fit to support our resilience, but it’s very important to seek help early when you need it. 


Active duty members with a mental health-related concern may reach out to the Military and Family Life Consultant (MFLC) (649-9218), Behavioral Health Optimization Program (BHOP) located within the Family Health Clinic (481-5235), Military OneSource (800-342-9647) and the Mental Health Clinic (481-5376). Dependents can access services, and referrals if needed, through their primary care manager, BHOP or off-base providers who accept TRICARE. Both Appropriate Fund (APF) and Non-appropriated Fund (NPF) employees and their dependents can access services through the Employee Assistance Program (1-800-222-0364). The Chaplain (481-7485) is available for counseling support for all Airmen, both military and civilian.