This May, the Civilian Human Resources Service Center (CHRSC) at Kleber Kaserne will once again join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)‘s campaign to help break social stigmas related to mental illness by spreading awareness. Speakers from various backgrounds and in-house activities will be promoting social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing throughout the month. Stigma and the fear of discrimination keep many people from seeking the support they deserve. However, you are not alone - one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year (see resource 1). 

The ripple effect of challenges during uncertain times can have devastating effects on our wellbeing. Few signs of mental health decline may include an inability to make decisions, repeatedly missing deadlines, reduced quality of work, distractibility, or a general lack of interest and focus2. NAMI’s theme for 2025 is, “In Every Story, There’s Strength”. Our voice has power, and our support could be the light that someone else needs in their moment of darkness. 

Mental Health Awareness Month at the Kaiserslautern CHRSC begins with an Art Competition. Paintings will be displayed in the hallway, and a panel of judges take a vote for the top three winners, whose names will be announced at the potluck picnic end of May. Facilitators from Army Family Team Building and Army Substance Abuse Program will be conducting classes on Exploring Personality Traits and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness. In addition, there are various team building activities on Teams dispersed throughout the month, an in-house Lunch and Learn session about learning German phrases, and games like Spin-the-Wheel and Bingo with lots of prizes. 

While issues do not get erased by attending classes, and there is no magic wand to make problems disappear, we can lessen the burden of stress and isolation by leaning on our emotionship village. Consisting of Veterans, Local Nationals, Military Spouses, etc, our CHRSC fosters meaningful connections with each other by providing various opportunities on self-care and team building. We remain committed to fighting the stigma of mental illness by providing resources and holding space for one another, not only in May, but throughout the year. In every story there is strength - thank you for being a part of ours. 

“As members of the civilian forces, we support the Army mission, serving and sacrificing for our warfighters. To contribute our best, we must maintain our wellness, mind, body, and soul. Teaching our people to care for themselves is a way to ensure we can continue to care for others, making each one of us an important part of Army wellness and our mission. ”

— Latrice Benton, Regional Director, CHRA-E Directorate

About CHRA 

The Civilian Human Resources Agency is responsible for assisting customers in recruiting, developing and sustaining a professional civilian workforce. As a Direct Reporting Unit (DRU) under the Department of Army G-1, CHRA is part of the Army’s initiative to mold human resources functions into a corporate structure, enabling equitable, efficient and effective management of Army civilians worldwide. The Agency manages all aspects of the human resources lifecycle for civilians – from recruiting to retirement. CHRA serves appropriated fund, non-appropriated fund and local national civilian employees.3 

The Kaiserslautern Civilian Human Resources Service Center (CHRSC) provides civilian personnel advice to: Baumholder, Miesau, Sembach, Germersheim and Duelmen, Pirmasens, Spangdahlem, Landstuhl, Ramstein, Weilerbach, and Kaiserslautern. 

Sources 

1: https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/ 

2: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/worklife/employee-wellness-programs/mental-health-wellness/ 

3: https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public