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Department of the Air Force leaders focus on resiliency
February 10, 2021 — Senior leaders are focused on building and growing resilience by establishing a task force called Operation Arc Care. This task force is currently reviewing resilience programs and overarching strategy using a phased approach which began in November... MORE

Maintaining good mental health vital through ongoing pandemic
February 9, 2021 — The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has created new challenges for everyone. Normal routines have been replaced by unfamiliar isolation and adjustments to home-life, work, and school... MORE

Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.

Commentary: Listening and leadership can save lives
July 28, 2020 — Tech. Sgt. Daniel Rakowski knows what it feels like to lose a friend to suicide and never wants to experience it again. In 2012, a friend who had recently separated from the Army died by suicide. Rakowski saw firsthand how the Soldier’s death so deeply affected those around him – his family, his friends and Rakowski himself... MORE

Lt. Col. Scott Christensen, 331st Training Squadron commander, holds a positive message of support at a base gate during the morning inbound commute as part of their new initiative, “We Care,” at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Taking care of military medical frontline providers
June 22, 2020 — Air Force medics are on the front lines against COVID-19, and maintaining their mental well-being is critical to keeping them in the fight. One of the biggest risks for providers is burnout, or compassion fatigue... MORE

The COVID-19 pandemic can challenge the mental wellness of health workers and contribute to provider burnout. Air Force medics are cautioned to be alert for signs of numbness in themselves or colleagues, and make time for self-care and recharge.

Redefining 'normal' mental health care still means delivering quality patient care
May 5, 2020 — Mental Health Technicians (4Cs) in Air Education and Training Command are redefining what “normal” is during the COVID-19 pandemic, while still delivering quality patient care in various different methods and providing Disaster Mental Health services when requested. ... MORE

#RiseUp Mental Health, Resiliency at JBSA
May 4, 2020 — Members of the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Mental Health Clinic and 737th Training Group Military Training Consult Service mental health team spent My 4 motivating others with words of encouragement for base personnel and community members as part of a mental health and resiliency effort during the COVID-19 pandemic at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland... MORE

COVID-19 crisis poses mental health challenges as well as physical demands
March 25, 2020 — Like many communities throughout the United States, Joint Base San Antonio is feeling the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic... MORE

Like many communities throughout the United States, Joint Base San Antonio is feeling the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic.The installation’s Health Protection Condition has been increased to level C and its number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

Loving well this Valentine's Day: Tips for Military Marriages
February 13, 2020 — It’s February at Joint Base San Antonio, and as everyone knows, February is the month of love. Last week, I sat down with Dr. Kendra Lowe, a military spouse and former active-duty service member, to discuss marriage in the military and finding ways to spread the love. Dr. Lowe is a practicing clinical psychologist who has published some of her findings in Military Spouse Magazine as well as the Journal of Family Studies... MORE

360 Leaders Course empowers leaders at JBSA-Lackland
February 3, 2020 — The 502nd Air Base Wing welcomed the 50th class of the 360 Leaders Course to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Jan. 27. The course is a week-long, science-based leadership course that provides comprehensive, holistic training in personal health, wellness and resiliency, which empowers participants to guide airmen under their care with compassion and understanding. ... MORE

Therapy animals help Airmen cope with holiday stressors
December 13, 2019 — Many Airmen are not able to travel home for the holidays making it a stressful time, and Animals for Airmen can provide a relaxing, quiet environment for them to visit with therapy animals... MORE

MFLCs provide support and build resiliency
October 25, 2018 — In our professional military careers, it is easy to get caught up in presenting a perfectly manicured image to our peers and superiors. Nobody sounds “average” in a performance report or a quarterly awards package, and there is a pressure to maintain the perception that everything is in its place... MORE

22 and Me - Suicide in the DNA
October 12, 2018 — Many have heard of the ancestry and DNA service, 23 and Me. This organization takes your DNA sample and it breaks down the 23 chromosomes that make up who you are. It then provides your family history and identifies threats to your health as displayed in your genetic makeup... MORE

Good mental health critical to readiness
November 21, 2017 — Mental health is a critical part of every Airman’s medical readiness. Although many service members worry that seeking mental health care will negatively effect their career, the opposite is usually true. With early identification and the right treatment by a medical professional, most mental health issues get better quickly without any negative career impact... MORE

Maintaining your mental health is critical to readiness. People suffering from depressive disorders can experience slowed physical reactions, impaired judgment and indecision, all of which can risk the mission. Treatment for mental health issues can show real improvement in as little as four weeks. If you, or someone you know, may be dealing with depression, get treatment now.

New annual Mental Health Assessment requirement begins July 31
July 27, 2017 — Starting July 31, 2017, Airmen undergoing their annual Periodic Health Assessment may notice something new. A Mental Health Assessment will now be part of every annual PHA, to help ensure that Airmen... MORE

New annual Mental Health Assessment requirement began July 31, 2017. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Steve Thompson)