Employees and their families participated in interactive presentations and visited information booths run by mental health professionals during what was called a “mental health stand-down.” The two days marked the beginning of a series of events promoted this year by military leaders and mental health experts to raise awareness of the resources and support services available to the U.S. military community in Bahrain.
“This confrontation will raise awareness among leaders at all levels of the organization and empower teams and families to recognize, discuss, prevent and address mental health issues,” said Col. Hamish Kirkland, Chief of Staff, U.S. Navy Central Command. We can prepare.”
The military is currently conducting a two-year pilot program to expand mental health treatment options for service members and their families serving across the U.S. 5th Fleet.
The program includes implementing additional mental health options, including activating a walk-in clinic and starting an intensive outpatient program at a U.S. naval base in Bahrain.
Before the pilot began, military personnel and their families could only receive about a week of inpatient mental health treatment on-site, not intensive outpatient treatment, while waiting to return to the United States.
A new option enacted last year reduced the number of patients who would have been evacuated to the United States for treatment by 40%, allowing more personnel to work and family members to be stationed in Bahrain.
“We have a very supportive community here in Bahrain,” said Capt. William Lane, Bahrain Naval Support Activity Commander. “If someone is in trouble, no matter what the problem, there are multiple people they can turn to who are willing to listen and help. Everyone should know what resources are available and take advantage of them. It is important that we encourage each other.”
For a pathway to mental health care, see the latest Naval Support Activity Bahrain Mental Health Roadmap here: https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/BH-Road-Map/.