An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/672007
www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 Learning to recognise and be alert to our own early warning signs are vital first steps in addressing how severe stress, or a crisis situation, has affected us. Many symptoms are universal, but not everyone necessarily experiences these in the same way. For example, tense neck and shoulders, impatience and inability to handle noise or crowds may be one person's initial warning signs. Another person might display uncharacteristic irritability, constant movement when sitting, change in eating or drinking habits or sleep disturbance. Discovering our own cues and symptoms assists us in tailoring a response to meet our particular circumstances. This is an important time to explore how to do things differ- ently, to look at what has been brought up in us and to quietly bring our attention to it. To deal gently with panic, fear or other distressing feelings takes time, courage and commitment. Many significant points in the life cycle bring change, sometimes wel- come, sometimes imposed and deeply resisted. New coping skills need to be learned when familiar ones are not working or are limited in their usefulness. Unexamined fears, anxieties or uncertainties can take us prisoner. It is easy to repeat old mistakes and behaviours that con- tinue to bring disappointing outcomes. It can be difficult to leave familiar but ineffective habits behind. Accepting the challenge of discovering and practising new habits can be life changing, ener- gising and rewarding. Think of a carpenter having a tool kit and only ever using a ham- mer, regardless of the job at hand. When things go wrong it is easy to fall into old habits, to reach for the same comforts, even when we know they will not bring lasting benefit. This is especially true when a further stressor occurs at a time when we may be feeling low already. Learning ways to expand our coping mechanisms increases the variety of tools avail- able to us which, in turn, can increase the resources at our disposal to deal with other stressful circumstances that come our way. It is here that the Occupational Social Work Service can help, offering a quiet space to be listened to in a safe and supportive environment, where the work of mapping a new path and rebuild- ing strength can begin. This can be a first step in the discovery and development of inner resources previously unknown. AbOUt tHE AUtHOR: Jill davis works as an Occupational Social Worker (OSW) with the Personnel Support Service (PSS) and is based in 2 Bde HQ, Cathal Brugha Bks, Dublin. She works with serving members of all ranks within the following 2 Bde areas: Cathal Brugha, Dundalk and McKee Barracks, Gormanstown Camp and Bricins Hospital. As an occupational social worker Jill provides a confidential counselling service on a range of psycho-social issues, which include stress management, relationship matters, loss & bereavement, addictions, trauma, mental health and well-being. Jill Davis can be contacted di- rectly at 01-804 6346. jill.davis@defenceforces.ie the other brigade and formation occupational social workers can be contacted as follows: Mairead Phelan, OSW, Navalbase 021 486 4700 / mairead.phelan@defenceforces.ie Fiona Lane, OSW, Renmore & Sarsfield 091 74 3700 / fiona.lane@defenceforces.ie Grainne Murtagh, OSW, DFTC, 045 44 5055 / grainne.murtagh@defenceforces.ie Angeline Pudney, OSW, Finner Camp, 071 9841488 / angeline.pudney@defenceforces.ie Colin Fallon, Principal, McKee Bks, 01 804 2753 / colin.fallon@defenceforces.ie