PDHRA promotes health, resilience after deployment Published May 13, 2008 By Sarah L. Beams PDHRA Communications Manager SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- From mild back pain to severe stress, the effects of a deployment can impact Airmen a number of ways. For Maj. Michael Black of Minot Air Force Base, N.D., the heightened sense of alertness that served him in Afghanistan was hard to shake, even after a month of being home. "I remember one day I heard a clap of thunder, and the first thought that entered my mind was, 'What just exploded, and who got hurt?'" His next reaction was to sprint out the door and assess the situation. "I had to laugh at myself; I was thinking, 'Where am I going, and what am I doing?'" While Major Black remains lighthearted about his experiences, incidents like these are not uncommon among redeployers. Today's Airmen are undertaking unprecedented operations. Their missions take them across the globe and into harm's way every day. They endure extended time away from their families, long hours without rest, and severe environmental hazards. They face the realities of combat that endanger their own lives and the lives of their comrades. It is not surprising, then, that servicemembers would experience physical and mental stressors associated with deployment, even long after they return home. According to Lt. Col. Tracy Neal-Walden, an Air Force clinical psychologist, these stressors are normal. "Most members will experience some symptoms as they transition back into their everyday lives," she said. "The symptoms and their severity vary from individual to individual and may be influenced by the level of combat experienced." Some symptoms may subside quickly, within a few weeks or months. Others, however, may become chronic health issues that affect Airmen on several fronts. They can affect a career by disrupting regular routines and threatening readiness. They can disturb family life by creating distance between loved ones. They can impact an individual's overall health and wellbeing. In light of these threats, Colonel Neal-Walden believes is it vital for Airmen to take advantage of their benefits and address health issues early. "It is important to seek assistance for these symptoms to minimize the impact that they can have. The Department of Defense has well-trained health care providers who are experienced in treating these types of concerns and helping members overcome their effects," she said. To help servicemembers remain vigilant about deployment health, the DoD has mandated three assessments. The first is conducted prior to deployment, and the second is administered immediately after. The third, the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment, is a tool designed to tackle health concerns that can surface over time, after Airmen have settled back into their daily lives. It aims to ensure health and resilience for Airmen, well after returning from deployment. Servicemembers who have been home for at least three months are eligible for the PDHRA, which consists of 18 questions and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Topics range from general health status to frequency of alcohol consumption. Since traumatic brain injury has become a major concern for recent deployers, the PDHRA also includes questions about concussions and other head injuries. Like Major Black, Airmen will be notified by their unit deployment managers when they are due for the PDHRA. However, those who have been home for at least three months can access the form without receiving formal notification. Most members can link to the PDHRA from any military domain by visiting https://www.afchips.brooks.af.mil/pdhra. However, Airmen in the Personnel Reliability Program should make appointments with their primary care management teams to complete the PDHRA in person. Regardless of the severity of their concerns, servicemembers who indicate health issues on the PDHRA should meet with their PCM teams to obtain care or referrals to other agencies as necessary. Although the clinics will contact them, Airmen with health concerns can make appointments themselves without having to wait for a call. Some servicemembers may be concerned about the effect mental health care could have on their careers. However, DoD officials are quick to alleviate those fears. In a recent article by the American Forces Press Service, DoD Security Deputy Director Rebecca Allen said obtaining care is encouraged. "We view that as a very positive measure. There is nothing wrong with seeking assistance for a mental issue, just as there is nothing wrong with seeking assistance for a physical issue," she said. In the same article, Dr. S. Ward Casscells, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, pointed out that counseling has not prevented promotion of senior military members. "We've got guys here with one, two, three stars ... who have had counseling. And they feel they've benefited by it. It's your opportunity to grow as a person. It's your opportunity to prove yourself as a leader." Airmen who would like mental health assistance but do not want to go through their PCM teams can contact Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com. This organization offers free counseling with private providers not affiliated with the Air Force or DoD. For more information about the PDHRA and deployment health, servicemembers and their loved ones should call 210-536-4129, DSN 240-4129. Airmen also can visit https://kx.afms.mil/pdhra4u from a .mil domain. For assistance at the local level, servicemembers can contact Master Sgt. Thomas Lane, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Public Health Flight, at 509-247-3317, DSN 657-3317 or thomas.lane@fairchild.af.mil.
