Mental health providers: people can count on us

FORT DRUM — People having a mental health crisis are already overwhelmed with the situation, so weaving through the local mental health network may only cause more confusion.

But mental health providers want community members to know they can count on them. If they don't know the answer, they'll find someone who can help them through their struggles.

That was the key point during Tuesday's mental health information day, hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County. The "Finding Your Way Through the Mental Health Network on Fort Drum and in Jefferson County" event was held in The Commons.

"When you make a call and an agency says, 'We don't do that,' it's not the way it's supposed to be," said Roger J. Ambrose, Jefferson County Community Services director. "We are looking out for the person who walks into our program."

Keeping that in mind, he said, may ensure that people seeking services don't fall through the cracks. Other complications associated with seeking services include inability to pay, frustration with the system and having too much pride to get the needed help.

Sgt. Luke Thompson, a 10th Mountain Division soldier with the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry did just that. It wasn't until recently that he took mental health services seriously, he said.

"I've seen the mental health program blossom since the war started," Sgt. Thompson said. "For me, I kind of bottled up all these emotions. It felt like no one would understand unless they've been there themselves."

Sgt. Thompson said soldiers who inquire about or seek mental health services shouldn't be looked down upon by fellow soldiers because of their situation.

"A lot of people in my unit would look down on these guys, and say they're crazy, and that nothing's wrong. That's not true," he said.

Before a person really enters that crisis mode, Sgt. Thompson said, he'd encourage the soldier to seek help before the problem escalates.

"With these issues, it can affect a career," he said.

Donald W. Mott, a former soldier with the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, will move to the U S. Public Health Service as chief of social work services.

Mr. Mott said a common concern that he comes across is the fact that mental health services at different installations are often dissimilar.

"I can see how easily frustrated and confused people can get," he said. "It's constantly changing."

Mr. Mott said the Fort Drum Behavioral Health Department will do what it can to help soldiers find proper mental health services as they move to new installations.

For those on post seeking services, he said, having all three categories under one roof makes treatment of soldiers and their families more effective.

An issue that has surrounded Fort Drum, particularly when a brigade returns from a deployment, Mr. Mott said, is the shortage of mental health professionals on and off post.

The mental health unit has bolstered its staff, he said. A short while ago there were only two providers, and now there are eight, he said.

"We, in the past six or seven months, have not turned away a single person," Mr. Mott said.

Soldiers also can receive off-post help through the Watertown Vet Center, 210 Court St., Suite 20, as well as private providers.

Information also can be accessed through the Community Mental Health Education Program's Web site. The program is an initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County.