Creating a self-guided workbook for symptoms of depression for deployed members of the United States Coast Guard

Abstract: Research has shown that symptoms of depression are a common experience amongst military members. Risk factors such as deployment, stressors (work and family) and combat exposure have been associated with increased symptoms. Additionally, barriers to care that are unique to the experience of military members exist, such as willingness to seek mental health treatment and stigma. Further, some branches of the military may have better access to care compared to others. For example, The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is relatively underserved and understudied in mental health which may be attributable to its personnel size compared to other branches. While there are also protective factors and effective outpatient treatments that exist, members’ access to care during deployment may limit their ability to receive outpatient treatment at the onset of depressive symptoms. Thus, the purpose of this project was to create a self-guided workbook focusing on coping with and reducing symptoms of depression for deployed members of the United States Coast Guard. Feedback was obtained throughout the development process from key stakeholders including current members of the USCG with deployment experience, Health Services Technicians, and a Chaplain to ensure relatable language and applicable examples were included and to provide support in implementing the workbook.

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