DVIDS – NEWS – CRDAMC Reminds Community and Staff that Mental Health Wellness and Healing is Possible

In a world where mental health remains a topic shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center has chosen not to simply observe the event but to offer hope and compassion while promoting understanding, support and acceptance of mental health both on and off the installation.
As the calendar turned to May, and recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health, staff seized the opportunity to shine a spotlight on mental health by expanding their efforts in caring for the Fort Cavazos community.
Recognizing that mental health is a journey that requires ongoing support for everyone,
CRDAMC also focused on supporting its staff who work tirelessly to support patients. CRDAMC demonstrated its active engagement and appreciation throughout the month, but especially in the week leading up to the Information Fair, where it hosted an engaging information session on the theme of mental health and staff appreciation to help staff manage the stressors they may experience while caring for patients.
“The advice I would give to my staff is to remember to be kind to yourself and each other. Developing empathy and mental resilience not only helps you deal with stress, but it also strengthens the support system within your team,” said Lt. Col. Tanya Bartlett, chief of Soldier Behavioral Health Services at CRDAMC.
CRDAMC’s Behavioral Health team provides services and works with community partners to ensure the community receives help for mental health issues through education, support and outreach events.
The hospital also regularly collaborates with groups that support people with mental illnesses, has outreach programs that connect underserved populations to much-needed mental health services, and hosted a Mental Health Awareness Month information fair in the Atrium with several partners from the surrounding community throughout the month.
Organizations such as Partners Resource Network, MCH Family Outreach, AWARE Central Texas, Cedar Crest Hospital, the family Care Center, Canyon Creek Behavioral Health and others provided information to engage, educate and inspire visiting military members, veterans, families and staff.
Most organizations provide services for the entire family. For example, Family Care Centers provide psychiatric and counseling services for children ages 2 through adults for behavioral health issues such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Tricare beneficiaries must go through their primary care physician, but non-Tricare beneficiaries can contact the organizations directly.
“This is very important,” said Bob Martinez, industrial hygiene manager for CRDAMC.
“We look at people from their appearance, from the outside, and what these people do is they tell us about who we are on the inside. It’s something people can’t see, but they feel it. That’s why I’m so happy to be able to touch upon that through this fair,” he added.
The organization provided information that users could use for themselves, their family, and non-family members.
“For all parents, whether their child has a disability or not, it was great to find some resources that they can take advantage of to be an advocate for their child with a disability,” said Warrant Officer Reginald Oliver, 166th Aviation Brigade maintenance officer.
Some organizations, like MCH Family Outreach, were located in Fort Cavazos.
“We are a non-profit organization,” says Madalen Smith, case manager for MCH Family Outreach, “and we don’t ask for insurance and provide completely free services. We provide safety and care for children in our homes and continue to build protective factors and healthy environments between parents and children.”
In a world where the road to mental health may be full of challenges, CRDAMC reminds community members and its staff that healing is possible and together we can create a future where mental health is truly valued and supported.
“Empower yourself and others to seek help. Asking for help when you need it is an act of courage, not weakness,” said Michelle Aguayo, director of Child and Family Behavioral Health Services at CRDAMC.
“There are many levels of help available, from primary care to specialized mental health care,” Aguayo says. “Seek out the services you feel most comfortable with and know that your care team is here to support you.”
Military One Source is a great starting point for beneficiaries seeking mental health assistance. We provide non-medical counseling to military members and their families and help them find available resources.
Military Family Life Counselors at the Shoemaker Center also provide non-medical counseling, and your family doctor can provide an initial consultation, medication management when appropriate, and resources and referrals to specialty care.
The CRDAMC Behavioral Health Department offers services available to both military members and their families, including outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient services and inpatient services.
Families can also contact TRICARE directly to request approval for a community provider.