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AF psychology in the field
New focus on combat operational stress reduction, early intervention
Capt. Michael Detweiler, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group psychologist, left, listens to an Airman at a deployed location in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Josh Strang)
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By Maj. Ann P. Knabe
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA -- "We all know deployments change our daily living patterns," said Capt. (Dr.) Michael Detweiler, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group psychologist. "That part is obvious. But the stress and mental health issues associated with deployment are much more ubiquitous than most people realize. There are many Airmen just trying to cope with daily living in a combat environment."
The psychologist, who has counseled clients for more than nine years and has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, thinks the Air Force's new emphasis upon a Combat Operational Stress Reduction (COSR) paradigm acknowledges the tough emotional balancing act for many deployed Airmen.
According to Detweiler, in the past most psychologists primarily relied upon a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when conceptualizing the effects of stress on service members.
"By the time the intensity reaches the level of PTSD, the damage has already been done," said the psychologist.
"Waiting until the emotional damage reaches this severity before intervening is probably too late and makes treatment that much harder. On the other hand, the new COSR paradigm focuses on helping Airmen as they face new challenges, not waiting until they get home."
Detweiler said it doesn't necessarily take a traumatic event to push people to high levels of stress.
"Over time, anyone's ability to cope may start to erode from wear and tear at the emotional level," he explained. "We're serving in a combat environment, our families are back home, and many Airmen are working long hours with limited time to sleep. Together, these factors can have a negative effect, and things can really start to spiral out of control if you factor in poor communication with loved ones, challenging new environments, lack of privacy and other stressors."
Detweiler said the key is Airmen recognizing their increased levels of stress and dealing with them before their feelings become unmanageable. "You don't have to be 'crazy' to seek help," he said. "The best way to cope with stress is early intervention."
The psychologist said the Life Skills Support Center, located next to the hospital in building 10086 in Coalition Compound, is one of the best places for Airmen to seek help in sorting out feelings of anxiety and stress.
"You don't need to see an [Improvised Explosive Device] blow someone up or see body parts lying in the street to be pushed to the edge," he said. "More often, it's a cumulative effect of little stressors."
The psychologist said Airmen experiencing distress often overlook many of the coping resources they have most readily available to them. "For example, Airmen are encouraged to talk regularly with their first sergeant," he said. "It's part of the first shirt's job to address the morale and welfare of the troops. If things don't improve, Airmen should visit us in Life Skills."
Detweiler said some Airmen viewed mental health counseling as a weakness. He thinks that perception is changing.
"Today's Air Force recognizes deployments can be stressful; that's why we have Life Skills Support Centers in the AOR," he said.
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