Awareness months highlight wellness
Posted 10/3/2011 Updated 9/30/2011
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by Senior Airman Janine Thibault
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/3/2011 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) -- As Suicide Awareness Month in September comes to a close, Domestic Violence Awareness Month follows in October.
Awareness months are tools to educate and inform people about things going on that could affect them or someone they know. Suicide and Domestic Violence Awareness Months give agencies the opportunity to inform those who may identify with these issues and the friends and family that support them of the services available to them.
"A lot of times, people feel like they're going through situations alone, they don't know where to turn and don't think they can stop or recover. Another thing awareness months do is let people know they are not alone," said Captain Jordan Kieliszewski, the 354th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy officer here.
Both awareness topics are of importance to the Air Force, for the Airmen involved with the mission and the families that support them. While most Airmen have an understanding of these topics, it is possible to learn something new, officials said. Abuse is generally categorized as physical battering, sexual assault, and emotional or psychological abuse, and tends to escalate over a period of time. For military families, domestic violence may even take the shape of withholding access to a military ID.
"Being located at Eielson (Air Force Base) is a matter of perspective for people," said Kieliszewski. "Some love it and others don't, but the biggest thing is having a social network and getting engaged in a supportive way."
Community networking and support is essential, officials said. Although individuals may not always exhibit "textbook" signs, with the support of friends and family they may find the support they need to get help.
"If the person who needs help waits for a long time, it can make it tougher for them to see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said. It's about communication and helping people see their options, understanding the services available and determining which agency would be the most help for them.
There are a variety of venues available to help anyone who needs it, officials said. Individuals can contact their supervision, first sergeant, security forces, a chaplain, family advocacy, a medical provider or the mental health clinic. |
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