Mental health

Mental health





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This post is dedicated to all Tactical Athletes who have ever struggled with mental health.   

 

Most civilians run away from danger.  However, as fire rages through a smoke-filled building or as shots ring out, Tactical Athletes are there to help protect people and their property.  As a Tactical Athlete, you deal with many situations that most civilians never have to experience.  You see people at their worst, and you interact with dangerous individuals.  Bad things happen, and it is part of your job to help deal with these situations.  You are expected to do your job, regardless of your own personal feelings.  However, as such, many Tactical Athletes struggle with their own mental health. 

 

Tactical Athletes are part of a brotherhood and a sisterhood; you are a family which takes care of each other.  However, most Tactical Athletes do not talk about their struggles with mental health.  It is normal to experience occasional mental health symptoms.  However, when signs and symptoms affect your daily life and ability to function, there is a concern for mental illness. 

 

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Signs and symptoms of mental illness

·         Confused thinking

·         Changes in eating habits

·         Decreased ability to concentrate

·         Detachment from reality

·         Excessive fears or worries

·         Extreme feelings of guilt

·         Extreme mood changes of highs and lows

·         Excessive anger, hostility, and/or violence

·         Feeling sad or down

·         Inability to cope with daily problems or stresses

·         Paranoia or hallucinations

·         Problems with drug and/or alcohol

·         Significant fatigue, low energy

·         Sleep problems

·         Suicidal thinking

·         Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people

·         Withdrawing from family, friends, and activities

If you believe you or someone else may be suffering from mental illness, it is important to seek treatment.  When left untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time and cause severe behavioral, emotional, and physical health complications.  In some cases, individuals may experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

What to do if you or someone else has suicidal thoughts

·         Call 911 or your local emergency number

·         Call a mental health specialist

·         Call the suicide hotline number.  In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use its webchat on suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat

·         Seek help from your primary care provider

·         Reach out to a loved one or a close friend

·         Contact the Chaplain

Prevention

·         Pay attention to warning signs

·         Get routine medical care

·         Get help when you need it

·         Take good care of yourself

·         Spend time away from work

·         Do things you enjoy

·         Have stress relievers

 

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It is important to seek help for mental illness.  Untreated mental illnesses may be harmful to the individual suffering with the illness, as well as the individual’s loved ones.  Mental illness is treatable.  Please ask for help if you or someone you know is struggling. 

By:  J. Scott, DPT, ATC


Resources:

The Mayo Clinic