Fight against holiday depression, Part 2: Mental Health Published Nov. 19, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Stacy Fowler 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- (Editor's note: This is part two of a three-part series on support available for those deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, during the 2010 holiday season) The holiday season is viewed by many celebrants as a time of "peace on earth" and a sudden influx of packages through the post office. But for some deployed during the holidays, peace and packages might be hard to find, or replaced entirely by depression or even thoughts of suicide. Fortunately for those who are having problems during this time of the year at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, there is a support system readily available: the Balad Chaplaincy Corps; the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group Mental Health Clinic; and friends, coworkers and base organizations who can help keep deployed members in touch with family and friends at home. If going to a chaplain with your problems isn't your cup of coffee, head over to the Mental Health Clinic for a chat that is guaranteed to be "psycho-babble free." "We promise that when you come to see us we won't use long words or make you lay on a couch," said Dr. (Maj.) Dennis Tansley, Air Force certified psychologist. "We want you to have a successful deployment. We we want you to come and talk with us...a problem shared is a problem halved." There is a stigma about going to the MHC that says you might lose security clearances, your weapon or your career the moment you walk in the door - but it's all untrue. "We're not here to get servicemembers kicked out of the military," said Doctor Tansley, a native of Guildford, England, deployed from Royal Air Force Upwood, England. "Although in rare instances we will send troops to Landsthul for further evaluation and treatment, we're not travel agents to Germany or beyond - we are here to keep you on your feet and in the fight." Just like an antivirus program on a computer, MHC is a way to fix issues. "Mental health is a tool used to avoid hurting yourself or your career - not to cause that kind of outcome," said Tech. Sgt. Cory Hancock, MHC technician. "You wouldn't walk around with a broken leg that's causing you intense pain; why would you walk around when you're feeling that pain mentally?" Sometimes a person might not think their issues are serious enough to warrant a visit - yet, said Doctor Tansley. But there are signs that can serve as a "red flag" that you need to talk with someone. "If you or someone you know is having problems functioning occupationally, socially or even academically, an appointment should be made at our clinic," said Doctor Tansley. "Even if you're functioning fine but just aren't happy or continually experience discomfort with the way you are thinking or feeling, come in and talk with us. We'll help you figure things out." Depression symptoms can include: - Feelings of sadness or unhappiness - Irritability or frustration, even over small matters - Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities - Insomnia or excessive sleeping - Changes in appetite: decreased appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain - Agitation or restlessness: pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still - Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements - Indecisiveness, distractibility and decreased concentration - Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy; even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort - Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things aren't going right - Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things - Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide - Crying spells for no apparent reason - Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to thoughts of suicide. "And don't ever, ever think that the problem you have is silly," said Sergeant Hancock, a native of Kokomo, Ind., deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. "If it matters to you then it does matter! Sometimes there is a mentality of 'we are warfighters and we should be able to handle everything.' But what doesn't affect one person could have a drastic effect on his or her buddy." If you need to go to Mental Health, don't think that you have failed - think of it as finding a different answer to a chronic problem. "Some people view going to Mental Health as a weakness," said Sergeant Hancock. "The reality is that you are smart enough to know that something is wrong, and strong enough to say that you need help." To make an appointment at the Mental Health Clinic, call 443-2994. To contact them outside of normal duty hours or for an emergency, call Patient Administration at 443-2500 and inform them you need immediate contact with a Mental Health doctor.