Psychological Fitness is the ability to integrate and improve cognitive, emotional, and behavioral practices. Staying mission-ready means having a healthy, high functioning mind, which connects to every domain of Total Force Fitness.
Mental health and mental toughness are not binary-options with an “on/off switch” – they exist on a spectrum, and you can train the mind and learn skills to improve. Psychological health takes practice and training. Just like any other part of your body, the more you exercise it, the stronger and more resilient it gets.
Emotions are part of psychological fitness. We all have them for a reason and suppressing them is not the answer. Find constructive ways to express feelings and cope with difficult emotions that otherwise could affect mission readiness.
| Factors that May Affect Your Mental Health Wellness |
| Anger |
Anger is a feeling that can range from mild irritation to intense annoyance to rage. It may be a natural response when possible harm is anticipated or when another person has done something wrong or harmful.
|
| Anxiety |
Individuals living with anxiety live in a world of "what if?" It's often a world of hypervigilance and worst case scenarios.
|
| Depression |
Depression affects your body, actions, thoughts, and mood. Left untreated, depression can last for days, months, or years. Depression is more serious than just feeling sad. Depression affects all areas of life and ranges from mild mood swings to severe negative feelings that disrupt daily life.
|
| Sexual Trauma |
Sexual trauma is any sexual activity where someone is involved against his or her will -- may have been pressured into sexual activities, may have been unable to consent to sexual activities (for example, when intoxicated), or may have been physically forced into sexual activities.
|
| Sleep |
Good sleep is vital to good health. Sleep helps people cope with stress, solve problems, and recover from illness or injury. Lack of sleep can lead to drowsiness, irritability, lack of concentration, memory and physical problems.
|
| Spirituality |
Different factors can challenge individuals' long held beliefs. In the face of difficulty, many, often for the first time, will give serious consideration to spiritual concerns. Still others find their life experiences strengthen their belief system, whether it has a spiritual component or not.
|
| Stress |
Stress comes in two varieties: Good stress and bad stress. Life stress involves all mental burdens that affect an individual.
|
| Work |
Work environments and requirements vary significantly. Praiseworthy skills in one occupation may be germane or likely counterproductive in another. |
Signs of Distress
Some signs of distress could include:
- Drinking more heavily than normal
- Agitation or anger
- Withdrawing from families and friends
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sadness or depression
Many of these tips may seem like common sense, but when faced with challenging life situations these things are often the first things that get neglected.
When psychological health is neglected and mental health concerns arise, it is natural to deny there's anything wrong. Sometimes the last person to recognize symptoms is the one who needs help, so it's important to recognize symptoms in friends, loved ones or oneself and to say something.
You also may be interested in...
Article Around MHS
11/10/2021
Healing is an art, and art is healing was the sentiments shared among those who attended the opening ceremony for the 18th Annual Healing Arts Exhibit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Oct. 27.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness
Article
9/7/2021
Doc talks to Navy Lt. Chad Haan, staff chaplain at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia, about ways to prevent a “downward spiral” while on deployment.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness | Social Fitness | Ask The Doc
Article
7/26/2021
To ensure that military beneficiaries receive the support they need to continue on their mental wellness journey, the Antidepressant Adherence app supports those taking medication
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness | Depression | Technology
Video
6/24/2021
PTSD can happen to anyone. The Military Health System can help you get diagnosed and provide you with evidence-based treatment so you can get your life back. If you're struggling with PTSD, reach out to your local military hospital or clinic and make an appointment today. Learn more at health.mil/ptsd.
Recommended Content:
PTSD Awareness Month | Psychological Fitness | Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Publication
6/23/2021
Follow these five tips to stay mission ready and mentally fit whether at home or abroad.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness
Publication
6/23/2021
Use these five questions to start a conversation about your psychological health with your provider. Make the most of your visit by being prepared and taking notes.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness
Publication
6/23/2021
Break stigma and create a unit culture that supports psychological health with these tips and resources.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness
Publication
6/23/2021
Learn the different ways to seek care and take the first step. Managing the stress of military life can affect the toughest warrior. Find the resource to best fit your needs.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness
Publication
6/23/2021
Download these five apps to stay mission ready and mentally fit whether at home or abroad.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness
Publication
6/23/2021
Use these five useful tips to support your psychological health.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness
Showing results 1 - 15
Page 1 of 6