Source: United States Navy
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During this observance, we reinforce our collective commitment to building a culture of warfighting excellence by preserving the health, safety, and well-being of our Sailors, Marines, Civilians, and their families.
Unaddressed stress (i.e., work, relationship, legal, and/or financial stress) can have a compounding and detrimental effect on the overall well-being of our personnel and their loved ones. When left unchecked, stress can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior.
Proactively addressing stressors not only enhances our individual well-being but also contributes to a resilient and supportive military community. I strongly encourage every Navy and Marine Corps leader to adopt the principle of "manage stress before it manages us."
To guide these efforts, leaders at all levels need to emphasize the five most common stress alleviators:
1) Good Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to rejuvenate the mind and body.
2) Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities that promote both physical and mental well-being.
3) Balanced Diet: Nourish the body with a well-rounded and nutritious diet to support overall health.
4) Financial Readiness: Foster financial stability through prudent planning and responsible practices.
5) Healthy Relationships: Cultivate and nurture positive connections with others to build a strong support system.
By incorporating these resilience-enhancing and stress-reducing practices into our daily lives, we strengthen our mental health and reinforce the bonds that unite us as a community. This month serves as a catalyst for open conversations, mutual support, and a shared commitment to well-being.
I encourage leaders to foster a culture of safety and support by proactively and routinely engaging with their Sailors, Marines, and Civilian employees about difficult topics, such as stress and fatigue. By taking even small actions, leaders have the power to influence change and create conditions that will positively impact their teams.
Together, we can create an environment where we prioritize mental health and each member of our community feels valued, supported, and empowered. Thank you for your dedication to the health and well-being of our Navy and Marine Corps family.
Resources for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support are available 24/7, 365.
1) The National Suicide Hotline: 988.
2) The Veterans/Military Crisis Line: 988 (press 1) or Text 838255
* Europe: +1 844-702-5495 or DSN 988
* Southwest Asia: +1 855-422-7719 or DSN 988
* Pacific: +1 844-702-5493 or DSN 988.
3) Military OneSource: 800-342-9647 /
4) Local resources: Fleet and Family Support Centers, Marine and Family Services, Military Family Life Counselors, Deployment Resiliency Counselors, Deployment Readiness Coordinators, chaplains, and your leadership.
5) Mental Health Playbook Mental Health Playbook
6) Culture of Excellence 2.0 Culture of Excellence
7) Vet Centers: 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387)
8) DON Civilian Employee Assistance Program (DONCEAP):
* 844-DONCEAP (1-844-366-2327)
* TTY: 888-262-7848
* International: 866-829-0270
Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.