By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Pedro A. Rodriguez, NDW Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- During the month of December Naval District Washington (NDW) is highlighting the importance of resiliency and resources available to the Navy community to help Sailors weather the storm of adversity and thrive under pressure, especially during the holiday season.
Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. Resiliency programs are beneficial for both personal and professional growth. NDW provides service members in emotional distress a number of options to right the ship. Programs available range from life skills to suicide prevention to Sexual Assault and Prevention counseling to financial counseling and even the Chaplain's Religious Enrichment Development Operation or CREDO.
"We have two resources that we use on a regular basis to deal with resiliency issues, "said Capt. Mark Steiner, NDW chaplain. "One of them is the retreats that we do through our Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) which, since its implementation in January 2013, has made a profound impact with the personal resiliency retreats."
Steiner added that the second resource is the individual pastoral care sessions in which chaplains are available for members who are having resiliency issues.
"One of the things that I do personally to start out my day is physical fitness, and in my case I try to read my scriptures and set aside time for prayer," said Steiner. "If I pay attention to my stress level that helps me get up and take a break from a particular situation that's causing the immediate stress so I don't end up poisoning the relationships I may have with other people."
In addition to religious service programs, there are a wide variety of resources and support programs available to Sailors and their families through the Fleet and Family Readiness program. Some of these programs include resiliency webinars with video instruction along with counselors experienced in resiliency issues.
NDW Fleet and Family Support Regional Program Manager Robert Klebahn believes that it is important to take an interest in colleagues' well-being and offers a greater support network for those who may be hesitant to seek assistance.
"Fleet and Family Readiness programs are designed to enrich Sailors and their families lives and to overcome adversity should it occur," said Klebahn. "We need to watch out for our shipmates and ensure they know about the vast resources available to them through the Fleet and Readiness Program which will help them become smarter, stronger and better equipped to deal with emotional stressors. Having overcome previous challenges provides that intuitive sense that we can do it again."
Sailors coping with challenges are encouraged to seek assistance and contact their local chaplain office or visit their local Fleet and Family Support Program office.
For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/ndw/.
