Many Military Installations Worldwide Participate in National Depression Scr...( On October 10th military personne...),Health

On October 10th, military personnel and their family members can take anonymous online, telephone or in-person self-assessments

BOSTON, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Military life can present challenges to Service members and their families that are unique and difficult. Some are manageable, some are not. In some instances matters get worse and one problem can trigger other more serious issues. At such times it is wise to check things out to see what is really happening.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081006/DC37122 )

To help those who may be struggling, military installations worldwide will offer free, anonymous mental health self-assessments on October 10th, in recognition of National Depression Screening Day(R). In addition to the in-person assessments, Service members and their families can also gauge their mental well-being by visiting http://www.MilitaryMentalHealth.org or calling 877-877-3647. The online and telephone self-assessments - part of the Department of Defense funded Mental Health Self-Assessment Program(R) (MHSAP) - are available year-round and contain a series of questions that, when linked together, help create a picture of how an individual is feeling and whether they could benefit from talking to a health professional.

"It is important for military families to understand that self-care is an integral component of resiliency, and that taking stock of our emotions and seeking help are acts of courage, that ultimately lead to greater happiness," said CAPT Mark Paris, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Psychological Health & Strategic Operations in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Health Protection & Readiness). "Depression, PTSD and anxiety do not discriminate. They affect individuals of any age, race, religion, or income. Fortuna
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