Stress Navigation Plans Help Sailors Get Ahead of Stress

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- To assist Sailors, families and the Navy community with getting ahead of stress and fostering readiness before a crisis occurs, Navy Suicide Prevention and Operational Stress Control Programs, Navy Behavioral Health, have introduced "Stress Navigation Plans."

Sometimes finding a way to de-stress can be stressful itself if we don't know what to do or where to go. Readiness doesn't begin at the time of a crisis. Readiness starts by having the tools to help us respond to unforeseen circumstances swiftly and with clarity-and knowing where those tools are, according to Capt. Kurt Scott, director, Navy Behavioral Health Program.

"We can't always plan for life's challenges," said Scott. "But we can be ready for the stress from these challenges by identifying our resources and practices for navigating these challenges while we're still healthy. By personalizing a stress navigation plan, you'll know where your 'life jackets' are in case of an emergency. It only took me fifteen minutes, and I've got my stress plan here in my office for quick access."

Stress is a part of everyday life, especially in the Navy, according to Scott. Having a plan ahead of time will help stop stress issues from becoming stress problems. Stress navigation plans are simple templates that can be personalized with practices for navigating stress while we're still emotionally healthy, which be a life-saving drill if a crisis arises.

 The template is available on Navy Personnel Command web site and includes fields to personalize with names, contact numbers and personal practices for dealing with a variety of challenges in life, from work stress to relationship issues. Taking a moment to personalize a Stress Navigation Plan now may have a significant impact later by helping to prevent future obstacles from compounding and leading to negative stress reactions.

According to instructions on the Suicide Prevention website, Stress Navigation Plans do not have to be shared or revealed to anyone, but should be in a readily accessible place for personal use in times of crisis. Anyone can use a Stress Navigation Plan. Encourage your shipmates, peers, family and community members to personalize theirs and take the stress out of navigating stress. Life counts!