Programs help post-deployment Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kasey Zickmund
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  After a deployment or time spent away, servicemembers may need help adjusting to life back at home.

Both the 28th Medical Group and TriWest Healthcare Alliance offer treatment options to assist Ellsworth servicemembers who have difficulty readjusting after a deployment.

"Upon returning from any deployment all Airmen go through a required post-deployment health assessment," said Lt. Col. Scott Krebs, 28th Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight commander. "All deployments are stressful and each Airman will deal with the stress of deployments differently." 

Experts acknowledge combat deployments carry a different set of stressors than other deployments. 

"Servicemembers adjusting during their return need time to recover from the stress of a highly charged war zone," said Shari Lopatin, TriWest Healthcare Alliance communications specialist. "Most servicemembers adjust well after time; however, if problems continue and interfere with daily activities, it's time to seek help from a healthcare professional."

The possible effects members may experience can grow worse if untreated.

"If these individuals don't find help when they or a family member suspects a problem, their symptoms may worsen," Ms. Lopatin said. "Untreated symptoms may cause a spiral of reckless or self-destructive behavior, domestic problems, career challenges and even death."

For these symptoms, Ms. Lopatin recommends active-duty servicemembers seek care at a military treatment facility first and when available.

The 28 MDG can offer a variety of treatment options such as counseling, therapy and medication, if needed, to aid with adjusting to being back home, Colonel Krebs said. Taking advantage of these resources can help mitigate post-deployment stress disorders and help prevent long-term effects.

TriWest Healthcare Alliance and 28 MDG offers a number of resources such as counseling, therapy, videos and more for servicemembers and families who are coping with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or other post-combat struggles. 

For more information on treatment options contact the 28 MDOS mental health clinic at (605) 385-3656, or TriWest at (888) 874-9378 or visit www.triwest.com.