The purpose of the Navy Leader's Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress is to help Leaders at all levels (Commanding Officers, Command Master Chiefs, Department Heads, Division Officers, Chiefs) recognize distress related behaviors, provide support to Sailors within the unit, and collaborate with helping agencies to meet the needs of individuals in distress.  The guide aims to assist leaders in the decision-making process by describing a broad range of supportive interventions, resources, and strategies for supporting Sailors in distress.  It also provides guidance on effective communications with Navy helping personnel.

The Guide is focused on assisting Leaders employ awareness and intervention strategies before a Sailor has reached the threshold of debilitating distress, as indicated by emotional difficulties, alcohol or substance
abuse, violence or behaviorally linked accidents.  It provides guidance to leaders on giving emotional and material support to individuals across the continuum of distress, from a healthy and prevention status, to severe distress.

 Helping Sailors in Distress

When Sailors encounter life stressors, they are often able to cope by gathering support from friends, family, and coworkers.  Leaders, however, are in a unique position to support personnel experiencing difficulties through personal interactions, unit policies, and coordination with base helping agencies.  It is important to initiate support at the point when people are first experiencing mild or moderate levels of distress.  This is preferable to waiting until they are in crisis.

 Leadership Involvement is a Team Process

Commanding Officers, Command Master Chiefs, and Supervisors are key members of any prevention effort.  Each has a tremendous opportunity to provide interventions early when non-medical interventions can have the greatest positive outcome for the Sailor and the unit.  Good communication between leaders, helping agencies, and Sailors allows the team process to work well.

 Supporting Individuals in Distress is Vital to Force Health Protection

Force Health Protection addresses all health related threats affecting the Sailor's ability to accomplish the mission.  A healthy and fit force is a necessary component for Force Health Protection.

• Distress prevention and management are key components of Force Heath Protection and addressing stressful life events early is an important facet.
• Stress prevention entails a broad range of efforts for supporting personnel when they face difficult life challenges, including addressing problems before distress occurs.
• Distress management focuses on helping the person moderate their reaction to difficult situations and includes efforts to help build resiliency.