Reach out and help a friend

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Edwards
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
When it comes to seeking support the military always encourages service members to seek help before it is too late. Goodfellow has various outlets for that assistance.

The Air Force believes Airmen should have a strong mental, physical, social and spiritual stamina enabling them to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stressors.

The problem is, not everyone seeks the help they need when they are stressed or depressed. It falls on you to become a good wingman, a battle buddy or a shipmate, to recognize the people who may need an extra push to seek the help they need.

"I think this is something that is often ignored because sometimes it's an awkward situation," said Airman 1st Class Alexander Bray, 17th Medical Group Mental Health technician. "If you look at it now, our culture is a status update. We're not use to walking up to someone and starting a conversation. So when someone walks up to you and says, 'Hey man, I've just been having a rough time lately,' people don't want to dive deeper into that conversation."

Military leadership asks service members time and time again to be more vigilant, to watch out for each other when it comes to depression and suicide.

"A real wingman needs to not be focused on losing a friend due to an awkward conversation," said Bray. "They need to be focused on not wanting to lose a friend."
Sometimes just going that extra step could help save a loved one, coworker or service member.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or thoughts of suicide contact the Mental Health Clinic at 325-654-3122, the base Chaplain at 325-654 3424 or the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 325-654-3893.