Name
Beyond the Call: Addressing the Mental Health Challenges and Support Needs of Caretaker Service Members
Content Presented on Behalf of
USPHS/USSG
Services/Agencies represented
Defense Health Agency (DHA), US Public Health Service/Health Human Services/Indian Health Service (USPHS/HHS/IHS)
Session Type
Breakout
Date
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Start Time
3:15 PM
End Time
4:15 PM
Room#/Location
Baltimore 1-2
Focus Areas/Topics
Behavioral and Mental Health, Clinical Care, Medical Technology, Trending/Hot Topics or Other not listed
Learning Outcomes
1. Examine the Statistical Significance of Caretaker Burnout: Understand the prevalence and impact of burnout, focusing on the specific challenges faced by service member caretakers.
2. Recognize and Identify Symptoms of Mental Health Strain and Burnout: Develop the ability to detect signs of mental health strain and burnout among service member caretakers, ensuring early intervention and support.
3. Explore Sociological Influences on Caretaker Well-Being: Understand how broader sociological issues, such as the youth mental health crisis and societal violence, affect service member caretakers and contribute to their challenges.
4. Identify and Implement Support Strategies: Determine and evaluate effective strategies to help service member caretakers manage their unique work-life demands while promoting and maintaining optimal wellness.
CE/CME Session
CE/CME Session
Session Currently Live
Description

Uniformed service members often navigate complex and demanding roles that can lead to significant mental health challenges, including burnout, isolation, and stress. These challenges are compounded by the inherent work-life balance issues faced by those in caretaker positions within the uniformed services. Addressing these mental health strains is crucial not only for the well-being of the individuals but also for maintaining the overall readiness and effectiveness of our armed and uniformed forces. When stress is severe or prolonged, it can have a deleterious effect; notably, 41% of parents report being so stressed on most days that they cannot function, and 48% describe their stress as overwhelming compared to other adults (20% and 26%, respectively) Source: U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents. This presentation explores the growing mental health concerns among caretaker service members, emphasizing the importance of proactive support and innovative strategies to safeguard and enhance their mental wellness. Recognizing that seeking help is a vital strength rather than a weakness, this discussion will highlight essential approaches to optimizing mental health resources, fostering resilience, and ensuring that service members are equipped to perform at their best.

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