ALCOAST 160/19 - MAY 2019 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 2019: THE IMPORTANCE OF EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

united states coast guard

R 081312 MAY 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05400//
ALCOAST 160/19
COMDTNOTE 5400
SUBJ: MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 2019: THE IMPORTANCE OF EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
1. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to focus on the integral role
emotional wellness plays in our sense of well-being. Mental health concerns left untreated can
adversely affect our thoughts, mood, and behavior.
2. Overall fitness is the balance that exists between our emotional, physical, spiritual, and
mental health. Prevention activities that promote self-awareness reduce the impact of life’s
harmful stressors. Steps that help us achieve and maintain wellness include adopting healthy
eating and drinking habits, as well as getting regular exercise and restful sleep. In addition,
developing consistent self-care skills, achieving greater emotional awareness, and connecting
to family, friends, and the community are all healthy habits. Fully embracing the concept of
wellness by developing useful strategies for strengthening mental health leads to improved
general health and a feeling of well-being.
3. These healthy behaviors along with asking for help when you are feeling out of balance, or
are facing a stressful situation are essential for mission readiness and for your emotional
well-being. Commands should encourage members to get help when needed as a means of decreasing
the stigma of seeking mental health assistance.
4. The Coast Guard remains unwavering in its absolute commitment to the emotional well-being
of our Service member and families. Coast Guard leaders, military members and civilian employee
at all levels are encouraged to proactively support a member seeking, or in need of assistance.
5. Helpful resources include:
    a. Coast Guard Employee Assistance Program (EAP): U.S. Coast Guard members, civilians, and
their families can get confidential help before a concern becomes a crisis through the local
Health, Safety, and Work-Life (HSWL) Regional Practice Office EAP. To contact Employee
Assistance Program Coordinators in the local Health, Safety, and Work-Life (HSWL) Regional
Practices, visit: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-
Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Work-Life-Field-
Offices/.
    b. CG SUPRT: Call 855-CGSUPRT (247-8778) at any time or go to the website at:
https://www.cgsuprt.com/portal/landing. This is the Coast Guard program to assist active duty
members, members of the Selected Reserve, civilian employees, and their family members with a
variety of issues such as financial challenges, legal concerns, relationship discord, an
imbalance between work and life demands, and other stressors that might be impacting mental
readiness. The program offers non-medical counseling, coaching, information, self-assessment
tools, and many other useful services.
    c. TRICARE offers many helpful programs and resources for military members. TRICARE covers
both inpatient and outpatient treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders. To
view all TRICARE covered mental health care services, visit:
https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental/Treatments.
    d. Chaplains are available to provide confidential pastoral counseling to ensure service
members and their families have the tools and support to thrive despite the inevitable
hardships of military life. For more information on how to contact your local chaplain, visit:
https://www.uscg.mil/Leadership/Senior-Leadership/Chaplain-of-the-Coast-Guard/.
    e. If you are experiencing serious emotional distress, including thoughts of suicide,
contact a health care professional immediately. The Military Crisis Line is available at:
800-273-TALK (8255). Call 911 if there is a crisis or imminent safety concern.
    f. The Military Health System (MHS) Nurse Advice Line is also available 24/7 for urgent care
questions and health care advice. The Nurse Advice Line can be reached at: 800-TRICARE (874-2273).
6. Commanding officers and officers-in-charge are strongly encouraged to use this ALCOAST as
a starting point for regular and ongoing unit discussions and education on stress reduction,
well-being, and the professionalism and maturity exemplified when members choose to seek
assistance.
7. Questions or concerns about Mental should be directed to COMDT (CG-111) the Employee
Assistance Program Manager, Christiana Montminy, at 202-475-5156 or Christiana.Montminy@uscg.mil.
8. CDR Jeremy R. Denning, Acting Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.