Building resiliency through support

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Dastas
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

During this past year, U.S. Air Force service members and their families may have experienced changes in mood and behavior due to anxiety, loneliness, depression or other serious conditions. These changes can lead to many things like thoughts or acts of self-harm or even suicide. Thankfully, every Air Force installation offers multiple programs and support agencies in order to assist its people in getting the support and help they may need.

Tyndall Air Force Base not only offers those agencies for people to go to, but also has designated resiliency programs. From the mental health clinic to Master Resiliency Trainers, Tyndall offers many avenues of support for members who may be struggling.

“Resiliency isn’t just the ability to bounce back quickly when things get tough,” said Capt. Bethany Young, 325th Medical Group Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program manager. “It is also about finding ways to emotionally heal and continue moving forward when faced with adversity.” 

Programs such as Family Advocacy Program and ADAPT offer services from individual, couple and family counseling, to substance abuse treatments and even training on how to deal with future adversity. Many of the skills learned through these programs can be used as building blocks for resiliency. 

“Resiliency skills can be taught; I have seen people break out of negative thought cycles and think more positively when faced with a setback,” Young stated. “By accepting the emotions that come with adversity, figuring out why things went wrong, how to improve the future, and practicing a little self-compassion, people are better able to cope with future challenges.”

There are also support options within each unit that members can reach out to. Every unit on Tyndall has Master Resiliency Trainers and Resiliency Training Assistants that are well trained and willing to help with difficult situations.

“If members of Team Tyndall have a need, we probably have an expert who can help,” said Corey Breingan, 325th Fighter Wing community support coordinator. “We offer programs and events for Airmen and their families to increase their resiliency by improving their physical, mental, social and spiritual wellness.”

Tyndall’s MRTs and RTAs are Team Tyndall members too and may be able to understand exactly what another member is going through. 

“If there is a specific need or issue in your unit, we can help facilitate training that will meet that need,” responded Breingan. “RTAs and MRTs care about their co-workers and know that being (involved) in all areas of life is key to doing our part to accomplish the mission.”

For more information, contact the mental health clinic at (850) 283-7511 or Corey Breingan at (850) 283-3300.