When your mind checks out, check in with PHAP Published June 3, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Tanya King 446th Airlift Wing public affairs MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Paying bills, scheduling doctor appointments, going to work, spending time with family, doing homework, making dinner: for many people, this sounds like life. Add unit training assemblies, annual tour and deployments to the mix and it sounds like Air Force Reserve life. Add one more thing to that and it might sound like too much. When Reservists and their families find themselves in this situation, around-the-clock, free help is just a phone call away with the Psychological Health Advocacy Program. "Little things in life can add up and maybe that's when you need to find some help," said Chief Master Sgt. Karilyn Graham, 446th Airlift Wing Yellow Ribbon Program coordinator. "Maybe that one thing isn't normally a big deal but today, it's the straw that breaks the camel's back. There are so many resources out there and no one should feel alone or like they don't know where to turn for help. PHAP can help." The PHAP program offers Reservists free, confidential psychological and mental health services regardless of location, income or deployment status. Their staff locates resources to assist Reservists and their family members with domestic violence, substance abuse and suicide prevention and awareness; financial and anger management; employment, medical, mental health and marital assistance and offers services for parents and children. "The psychological health of our Airmen is a top priority," said Chief Master Sgt. Tony Mack, 446th AW command chief. "Although assistance is available from a wide range of services, navigating myriad options can be confusing. Having the AFRC PHAP program readily available to our airmen and their families is invaluable. This is a single point referral source, allowing members to get help tailored to their individual needs." "If you don't get the help you need, there could be more severe consequences," said Graham. "Throughout life, we all go through difficult times. Everyone reacts differently in these situations and PHAP provides assistance when it's needed." Airmen are also encouraged to refer coworkers and family members if they notice any of the following warning signs: suicidal thoughts or actions; feeling sad or hopeless; unable to maintain close relationships; self destructive behavior such as alcohol abuse, illegal drug use or gambling; extreme mood swings; threats of violence or violent behavior; sudden feelings of panic or if they see, hear or experience imaginary things. "I would hope we can all be here as wingmen to help take care of one another," said Graham, who's also the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "I think it's great that the Air Force Reserve Command keeps adding more services to assist its members." PHAP services are highlighted at Yellow Ribbon events so deploying members and their families are also aware of available resources. "Deploying in the Reserve isn't like active duty in that you might go back to families, neighbors and employers who aren't necessarily that familiar with the military," Graham said. "You may be comfortable with deploying, but you've got to think beyond yourself; your family might need some help." Some Reservists might also feel like they should only seek help if they are in a combat situation or if they've experienced some sort of specific trauma, but that's not the case, according to Roselyn Leyva, AFRC psychological health advocacy outreach specialist. "Our objective is to be proactive and help alleviate common stresses and strengthen emotional wellness," said Leyva. "Our case facilitator will perform an initial assessment and provide resources and referrals. She also performs follow-up calls and emails to ensure the Airmen or family members' concerns were met and will provide additional resources if needed." "Deployments can be stressful even if the member isn't put in a combat situation," said Graham. "It's still stressful to leave your family and job for six months. This program helps people understand they aren't alone and lets them know where they can turn. Why struggle through life if help is available?" For more information, go to http://afrc.phap.net or call 1.888.536.0626.