WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: ADDISON WILLIAMS
HEY ADDISON, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
I have been an Army Combat Engineer for six years, as well as a Tech Specialist with the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) for six years.
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
I consider my mental health on a daily basis in my profession due to the stresses of combat and separation from my family.
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
I am currently deployed in the Middle East which places stress on my mental state due to separation from my family and my combat duties. Physically being away from my family causes me to constantly worry about their safety. Not being able to be there to resolve their issues sometimes makes me question my decision to leave. The stresses of combat also impact my mental baseline since my life is in danger any time I step out on a mission. While I love what I do, there are times I can't help but think about the worse possibilities.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
When I stopped wanting to do normal day-to-day activities because of my mood or feelings, I realized that I must take into account my mental health everyday.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I have started to use meditation apps, such as Headspace, to counter the negatives I experience. The gym has also provided a great way for me to relax my mind and stay level-headed.
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
Being mentally healthy allows me to stay focused in combat scenarios and make quick, on the spot decisions.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
I find good stress when I am challenged to learn about new types of explosives or ways our enemies use explosives in order to accomplish missions (Army). At home, I find good stress in learning how to complete new home improvements and teach my son how to navigate through life.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
Manage expectations and understand the full scope of what life in the military entails.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
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