Capt. Casey Ross | Overcoming Mental Health Challenges
Capt. Casey Ross from the Montana Air National Guard - 120th Airlift Wing shares her story of overcoming mental health challenges. She credits her Wing DPH and Commanders with helping her find the tools she needed. This powerful story has much more to it, check back soon for the full story of how the Air National Guard saved her life and her career.
MSgt. Heather Klein Testimonial
MSgt Heather Klein shares her story of how the DPH from the 133AW helped her through a difficult time.

Emotional Health Tips

  • Get to know yourself. Ask yourself questions like, “Do I have close relationships with people who have a positive influence in my life?”, “How have I handled conflicts in my life?”, “Am I able to accept responsibility for my actions?”, “Is stress affecting my attitude, my relationships, or my health?” And answer honestly!
    •    
  • Keep a journal. Journaling helps cultivate mindfulness by letting you be the spectator (or “narrator”) of your life. Write down any thoughts, feelings, reflections that come to mind, and read over what you wrote. Like someone on the outside looking in, you can arrive at information about yourself you never knew before.
       
  • Practice optimism. Smile more. Laugh more. Reach out to others or try to put a positive spin on a stressful situation. Even if your heart isn’t in it at first, practicing the act of optimism will eventually become a habit and change the way you feel.

  • Learn to manage stress. Time management strategies that help de-clutter your mind (or at least your desk) can offer relief when you have a stressful schedule. Relaxation techniques including deep breathing, Yoga poses, progressive muscle relaxation, and positive visualization are other proven methods for reducing stress. Remember, scheduling time for yourself can be as important as scheduling anything else on your to-do list! And where possible, remember to rest.

  • Seek advice from a trusted professional. Counselors, chaplains, therapists, and your Director of Psychological Health are all available to you when you need a confidante or military support. They are experienced professionals who are there to serve your immediate emotional needs as well as work collaboratively with you to develop emotional habits that work better for your needs.

    • Mission and Vision Statement

    ANG MENTAL HEALTH MISSION STATEMENT: Ensure, maintain, and enhance the ANG mission readiness by promoting individual, family, and community resilience through readily accessible and exceptional psychological health services.

    ANG MENTAL HEALTH VISION STATEMENT:     To strengthen operational capabilities by normalizing help seeking behaviors through outreach, prevention, and early intervention driving ANG resilience

    Helpful Websites

    Social Media Links


    Facebook Logo Twitter Logo Instagram Logo

    Phone Numbers

    Suicide Prevention
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)

    Military Crisis Line
    1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

    Sexual Assault Response:
    DoD Safe Help Line
    1-877-995-5247

    Signs of Distress

    If you or someone you know exhibits any of the signs of emotional distress below, call your Director of Psychological Health today:

    • Inability to eat, sleep or concentrate
    • Negative outlook or depression
    • Thoughts or attempts of self-harm
    • Irritability, inability to control anger
    • Impulsive behavior
    • Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
    • Fearfulness, nervousness or anxiety
    • Hypersensitivity to perceived threats, unexplained suspicion or fear
    • Feeling emotionally numb or detached
    • Inexplicable sadness
    • Flashbacks to traumatic event
    • Confusion or disorientation
    • Resistance to engaging in everyday activities
    • Extreme mood swings
    • Loss of work ethic or social functionality
    • Poor self-care