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Life Skills Program
Class Schedules & Contact Info
Life happens and unfortunately, it does not come with a handbook or instructions. Life Skills are all about self-discovery, exploring new ways to think, interact and problem-solve. The Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSCs) offer workshops that are focused on using conflict to direct positive change; connecting the power of communication to strengthen relationships through mutual respect and understanding; and employing mindful thought management and problem solving strategies. Explore the following workshop topics in order to get to ‘mission-ready green’ and stay in Operational Stress Control (OSC).
This program was developed to assist FFSC achieve their goal of providing prevention and enrichment programs for commands, individuals and families that foster resilience, strengthen interpersonal competencies and address the special challenges of military life.
Life Skills Workshops include but are not limited to the following:
SUICIDE AWARENESS/PREVENTION
Suicide Prevention is an all hands evolution, all of the time. Everyone can make a difference and contribute to suicide prevention at any time.
Consider what you would do if you or someone else were struggling to cope with a personal crisis.
Risk factors identified by annual Navy Cross Disciplinary Case Reviews and the Centers for Disease Control include:
- Easy access to lethal means (methods of suicide with especially high fatality rates)
- Relationship issues (divorce, separation, break-up)
- Transitions (retirement, PCS, discharge, etc.)
- Current or pending disciplinary or legal action
- Financial problems
- Academic, career or personal setbacks
- Perceived rejection, abandonment or loss of status
- Physical or psychological health issues (sleep deprivation, medical condition, etc.)
- Severe or prolonged stress
- History of alcohol and/or substance abuse
- History of previous suicide attempts
- Barriers to accessing psychological health treatment
- Family history of suicide or violence
- Sexual or physical abuse
- Traumatic experience
- Death of a close friend or family member
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Ask - Ask your shipmate directly "are you thinking about killing yourself? Do you have a plan to kill yourself?"
Care - Tell your shipmate that you're concerned about him or her, without judgment. They may not show it, but they likely appreciate that someone cared enough to say something.
Treat - Take your shipmate to get help immediately by seeking a Navy chaplain, medical professional or trusted leader. Call 911 if danger is imminent. Help is available 24/7 through the Military Crisis Line. Call 1-800-273-TALK (Option 1), text 838255 from a mobile device or visit www.militarycrisisline.net.
Suicide Prevention Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK and online, providing 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Fleet and Family Support Center Directory - includes center
Chaplain Care is a service that connects you to a chaplain.
Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647 and online, helps service members find numerous resources to achieve their goals.
Navy Personnel Command Suicide Prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration
ANGER MANAGEMENT
Anger is a normal emotion. The resulting behavior, when out of control, can lead to problems in your relationships. Improve your quality of life and learn constructive ways to manage and express your feelings.
Anger Management Resources
Children and Anger - Kids Health
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
How can it be so hard to communicate with the person you love the most? If you would turn on the TV or browse any bookstore, you will see talk shows, books and magazines dedicated to this issue. With frequent relocations, multiple deployments and the challenges of reintegration, good communication may get lost in translation.
Communication Skills Resources
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Unresolved conflict can prevent personal and professional growth. Learning to resolve conflict will help you overcome barriers and make healthy choices. Become more aware of the role that conflict plays in your daily life. Classes are available to gain resources to manage it daily.
Conflict Management Resources
NEW SPOUSE ORIENTATION
Whether you are a new Navy spouse or you have been around awhile, sometimes you wonder if you moved to another planet! The Navy has its own language, traditions and customs. Everything can seem so different! How are you supposed to understand life on this planet? Make your local FFSC one of your first stops in your new Navy adventure. You can attend a workshop and meet other new Navy spouses, gather informational materials, get help with finding a job or a volunteer opportunity or learn about educational opportunities.
New Spouse Resources
PARENT EDUCATION
Navy kids are like all others - except they have a parent serving in the military. This means that they probably move more often or perhaps have a parent who is away for extended periods. Being understood, cared for and loved are the single most effective strategies used in reducing some of the challenges faced by military children.
Parent Education Resources
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress is a normal and natural part of life. The alarm clock “stresses” you out of bed in the morning. Work, kids, traffic … even winning a million dollars can be stressful. Stress is also a motivator. It helps you get things done. FFSC classes and resources are available to keep your stress level in the GREEN.
Stress Management Resources
