LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The idealization of strong silent type suffer in silence is detrimental to our health.
“We all need to feel valued as a person. As wingmen, we have to put in work for someone to let their guard down,” said Tech. Sgt. Corey Malone, 913th Maintenance Squadron maintainer. “As Reservists, we may only have that one weekend a month to make an impact.”
Malone is an Air Reserve Technician who is integrated with the active duty maintenance squadron during the week and serves as a master resiliency trainer. He recently facilitated discussions during the 19th Airlift Wing’s Resiliency Tactical Pause day.
“It was incredible to see Airmen from all ranks and backgrounds share their struggle. I believe in sharing their stories they might have given courage to others to not suffer in silence,” said Malone. “No one had any idea of the struggles each person had experienced.”
He went on to share his own personal struggle with depression, sleeping for days on end, and not eating. “I’m a very positive person, so I hid my issue because I didn’t think it was serious enough. I’m sure other Airmen probably feel this way or are afraid for their careers.”
He continued to state that all issues matter regardless if it seems minor or severe, that Airmen will be supported and provided resources all the same.
“We should treat mental health like our physical health,” said Malone. “We should continuously build up our strength throughout the year so when that stressor of a physical fitness test comes around, it’s a breeze. Mental strength requires that same continuous maintenance and we have to know that it’s okay to talk about your issues.”
Airmen and their families may also contact Vets4Warriors who will link them with a peer who is trained to overcome obstacles by calling (855) 838-8255 or chatting online at www.vets4warriors.com.
Military OneSource is a confidential Department of Defense-funded program providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve Component members, and their families. Information includes, but is not limited to, deployment, reunion, relationship, grief, spouse employment and education, parenting and childhood, and much more. Confidential services are available 24 hours a day by telephone and online. In addition to the website support, Military OneSource offers a 24/7 confidential call center and online chat support. (www.militaryonesource)