Behavioral and Social Health Epidemiological Consultations (BSH EPICONs)
BSH EPICONs employ multiple methods, which can include analysis of medical visits data, collecting data from the population of interest such as through surveys or small group discussions, and conducting field investigations. These methods are used to determine factors that contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of Soldiers and families. BSH EPICONs provide information to enable commanders and leaders at echelon to make data-driven, evidence-based decisions.
Findings from BSH EPICONs are categorized into 3 interrelated areas:
- Social Health (i.e., loneliness, morale, support systems)
- Behavioral Health (i.e., depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior)
- Organizational Environment (i.e. command climate, OPTEMPO, occupational stress)
Findings and lessons learned about the risk and
protective factors affecting the social and behavioral health of Service members,
their units, and the surrounding communities are presented in A Decade of BH EPICONs Lessons Learned
Key lessons learned include:
- Promote connectedness, protected time for family and friends, and increased availability/participation of social programming enhance health, wellbeing and individual/unit readiness.
- Ensure engaged Leadership to impact mission readiness and overall Soldier satisfaction.
- Eliminate stigma associated with seeking behavioral health (BH) services by modeling positive treatment seeking behaviors.
- Ensure sufficient, high-quality sleep as a critical component of individual readiness.
- Engage in social activities designed to foster teamwork, esprit de corps, and the fighting spirit within their units.
- Designate and protect time for professional development, family time, and payday activities to improve overall Service member morale, holistic health, and readiness.
For more information or to request services, contact us.
