Managing Stress During Gov’t Shutdown

Hey, Rosemary Freitas Williams, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, discusses her concerns with rising stress during the gov’t shutdown, and she refers to available resources. She talks about Managing During Stressful Times. The DoD’s focusing on resources that are available to help military families deal with the challenges of the shutdown. It’s a really stressful time for folks, and it’s important to know that there are good people out there who are willing to help out.

Rosemary says:

“As the government shutdown continues, I am in awe of the patience and resolve shown by members of the military community. We have all been touched by the recent furlough. I know that some of our military families depend on a spouse’s paycheck to help make ends meet. Additionally, some spouses are among the many federal employees waiting at home for the government shutdown to end. There is the lingering issue of the possible paycheck delays. Despite all these challenges – as always – you are managing these new challenges with characteristic resourcefulness and resilience. […]

Most of us like to think that we can manage on our own, but reaching out for support is so critically important for our overall health and well-being. We are strong as individuals but stronger as a community, caring for each other and helping each other through even the most challenging of times. Reaching out for support – to a family member, a friend, a chaplain, the installation military and family support center, or Military OneSource – means you have the strength to recognize when new information, resources or skills will help you through life’s challenges. But it is up to you to seek assistance if you need it and to know where to refer someone if they are experiencing unhealthy stress.

We are here to help. […]

To learn more about confidential non-medical counseling and financial consultation options call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or contact your installation military and family support center. To locate installation and JFSAP programs near you, visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.”

Read the full article here. More to come…