Concerns, The Real Warriors Campaign Offers Resources, Support (NAPSA)—Service members bear the great responsibility of protecting our nation, and as Ameri- cans, it is our duty to support their physical and_ psychological strength. This is especially important as we head into the winter months, a season that is known to increase symptoms of depression andfeelingsof isolation. To help address the psychological health concernsof service members and military families, and to combat the stigma that often prevents warriors from seeking treatment, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) launched the Real Warriors Campaign. A valuable resource for service members and their families, the campaign Web site, www.realwarriors.net, uses candid video profiles, TV and radio public service announcements and informative articles to demonstrate that reaching out is a sign of strength. “At its core, this is a readiness issue,” DCoE Director Brig. Gen. Loree K. Sutton said. “To achieve peak performance, a warrior must be physically, psychologically and spiritually fit. The Real Warriors Campaign is part of an overall effort within the Department of Defense to build resilience and enhance psychological fitness.” The campaign speaksdirectly to the entire military community; the Web site includes service-specific information and resources for active-duty service members, as well as articles addressing the unique needs of National Guard members andreservists, veterans, military families and health professionals. Practical articles, such as “You Are Your Friend’s Biggest Support” (www.realwarriors.net/active/treat ment/suicideprevention.php), provide actionable information for ay ats www.realwarriors.net 866-966-1020 @ those who are dealing with deployment. Additional resources are made available through partners such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK. At the heart of the campaign are Real Warrior volunteers whose profiles and public service announcements provide the proof that reaching out makes a real difference. “Admitting you need help is not a career ender,” Real Warrior profilee and Army Staff Sgt. Megan Krause said. “After I sought psychological health care, everything else fell into place. I earned mycollege degree. I have successful civilian and military careers; I’m still Staff Sgt. Krause to mysoldiers.” Active-duty warriors, National Guard members and reservists, veterans, families and health professionals can confidentially reach out to health consultants around the clock through the Real Warriors Live Chat feature (www.real warriors.net/livechat) or by calling 1-866-966-1020. Visitors are also connecting with one another directly through message boards at www.realwarriors.net/forum. Regardless of how exposure to combat affects someone—whether it is directly or indirectly—psychological stress is common, and no warrior, veteran or family is alone. For more information, please visit www.realwarriors.net or call 1-866-966-1020.
