During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us may experience increased familial stressors, as we’ve taken on the roles of full-time caretaker, teacher, all while simultaneously navigating the uncharted waters of full-time teleworking or continuing to report for duty standing the watch.
Today’s stress is real and felt widespread across our organization from within our own homes, throughout our units and across our command.
We will make it through this and if you need a helping hand, you have an entire organization standing by to assist.
Vice Admiral Linda Fagan, Commander Pacific Area, and Pacific Area Command Master Chief Heath Jones want to reinforce their support and emphasize the resources available to help.
The increased stressors we’re facing, in addition to physical isolation from our family, friends, coworkers and helpers can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, frustration, and/or grief. In addition, concerns of neglect, emotional abuse, and physical violence are on the rise, as are maladaptive coping behaviors. When stress is high, identifying ways to take care of yourself and exercise mental health is key, so you’ll remain there for your loved ones.
Now more than ever, we are utilizing networks and increasing awareness with digital tools that make connection possible during a climate of physical distancing.
Seeking counsel or support is strongly encouraged, even if virtual or telephonic assistance at first feels “remote”. Given the austere environments in which our members serve, and the requirements for physical distancing, help is as close as a phone call away.
Asking for help early, when you are feeling out of balance or facing a stressful situation, is essential for your emotional well-being and mission readiness.
The Coast Guard remains unwavering in its absolute commitment to the emotional well-being of our Service members and our families. Your Coast Guard leaders, shipmates, and civilian employees at all levels are encouraged to proactively support a colleague in need of assistance.
Even in times of uncertainty, you are not alone.
Transcript
(upbeat music)
I’m Vice Admiral Linda Fagan, Commander of Pacific Area. I’m here with Master Chief Jones and together we’re incredibly proud of men and women of the Pacific Area.
Since mid-March we’ve adapted to a COVID environment, we’ve deployed cutters to the East Pac into the Bering Sea. And you’re still guarding our ports and conducting search and rescue. You had to adapt to your work, face masks, social distancing, virtual tools, yet you still excelled in all mission areas.
We focused a lot on personal wellness and best practices to avoid getting sick. Today we wanna talk to you about the equally important part of personal wellness and operational readiness, and that’s your mental and emotional health.
[Jones] Living in the COVID-19 environment is complicated. Our basic daily routines have completely changed. We can no longer visit friends or family. You may be worried about you health or the health of your loved ones.
[Linda] And there are many stressors like potential job loss, by family, kids being out to school or daycare. You may feel guilty for your own feelings of sadness or stress and thinking that others have greater hardship than what you might be experiencing.
Vice Admiral Fagan* now I want you to know that we understand that you may be going through these emotional struggles right now. We also want you to know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to admit that you’re having a hard time, it’s okay to ask for help. If you break your arm or you get a sore throat, you go to the doctor. If you’re feeling depressed, isolated, or struggling with emotions, it’s equally important that you reach out for help. Our Coast Guard has lost six active duty members to suicide this year, three in the last week, this is six too many. Wellness is a 24-hour watch, your shipmates, supervisors, chaplains and work life team would gladly talk with you anytime of day or night when you need support.
[Linda] United States Coast Guard, is the world’s best Coast Guard and it’s because of our amazing workforce.
[Jones] Each of our active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary numbers matter.
[Linda] You matter. You’re hurting, please tell someone, you are not alone.
Just as we achieve our operational success through teamwork and communication, we must also look out for each other’s mental and emotional health.
We will weather this storm together we’ll be stronger together. Semper paratus
Semper paratus (soft music)