Readiness involves mental health, well being Published April 5, 2010 By Senior Airman Brandon Craig 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UTAH -- Staying physically fit is a requirement for those serving in the Air Force Reserve, as is keeping dental and medical records up to date. Another important, but sometimes neglected, aspect of readiness is mental health and well being. The 419th mental health office provides services to Airmen despite some challenges to getting people the help and information they need to stay mentally fit to fight. "There are means and resources to reach everyone, but people looking at these resources aren't always utilizing them," said Staff Sgt. John Franco, 419th Medical Squadron mental health technician. One of the biggest obstacles in providing mental health assistance to Airmen in need is the prejudices and stigma sometimes associated with visiting mental health. People don't have a clear understanding about what an individual is going through and are sometimes quick to place a label on someone, Sergeant Franco said. Military members also often avoid using mental health resources for fear of injuring their career, he added. "They worry about it affecting the career, but if people extend some trust, they'll find a lot of people here that can help them. Does it affect your career? No, not as long as you detect it early enough, he said." "Supervisors need to make sure there are no repercussions for seeing mental health," said Lt. Col. Lynne Hull, 419th Inspector General. "We can't affect somebody's career because they went to mental health. That's called retribution." Another reason personnel often don't seek mental health help is time. "Self-preservation often takes a backseat. They get caught up in work," Sergeant Franco said. His job is to help military member's take interest in that self-preservation. "People sometimes need to be selfish," he said. "It goes back to taking time for yourself and knowing your limitations. Knowing who you are where you're going is, generally, the basis for healing. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses leads to a preserving of the soul and mind." Any time a person feels overwhelmed, he or she should give mental health a call. "When people are not mentally well, other things creep in," Sergeant Franco said. "They're not completing their tasks, they start getting sick, or they start losing track of work assignments." "We have to instill in them that there is hope," he added.