USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) received another critical asset to its team May 27 through the addition of a deployment resiliency counselor (DRC). Resiliency counselors provide the crew with an additional resource to develop resiliency which aids in the ability to recover from potential distress, difficulties or hardship.

"I bring a great sense of humor," said Anissa Peoples, Truman's new DRC. "My group training and sessions are relaxed and laid back. My philosophy is to meet people where they are, and they are much more likely to get where they need to be."

Peoples is a licensed professional counselor and a certified rehabilitation counselor and has a master's degree in counseling and rehab. She has been working with all branches of the military for the past 15 years, including the last 10 years with the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune.

Peoples' arrival to the ship falls in line with Sailor 2025's Operational Stress Control initiative, which aims to strengthen resilience, health and fitness across the Navy.

"Resiliency is the ability to bounce back," said Lt. Maria Herrera, the ship's psychologist. "When faced with stressors or difficulties, resiliency is the ability to bend rather than break."

"Just getting through everyday life [underway] can be stressful," said Peoples. "It's often the little stuff that gets to us, the everyday monotony. But having some insight to how and why those things get to us is helpful, and that's why I'm here."

Herrera said there are many sources of stress, also known as stressors, to include biological, psychological and social. Biological stressors mean some people are more susceptible to stress or anxiety - what bothers one person may not both another. Psychological stressors include a person's internal experience, their thoughts, emotions and how they respond to what is going on around them. Social stressors stem from interactions within a social group and are one of the more frequently experienced sources of stress. There are different ways that are recommended for Sailors to address any of these stressors.

"I believe one of the best ways to make yourself more resilient is to set your expectations properly," said Cmdr. Ben Sandford, Truman's command chaplain. "When you have your expectations in order you're not blown away by the changes or sudden announcements that happen during a deployment."

Herrera offered another way of dealing with the stress of deployment.

"Understanding how to approach problems in our lives is important," said Herrera. "Some problems have solutions, but some don't. In certain situations, you have to realize things are the way they are and learn to accept that. Learning the difference between things you can change and things you can't will definitely help with your stress."

For Sailors who want help with improving their resiliency, Truman offers a few solutions. Appointments are available to meet with the deployment resiliency counselor, the ship's psychologist, or a chaplain. Medical currently offers the following group classes: sleep 101, shipboard stress management, and the resilient thinker, with more to be added in the near future.

Peoples added that it is important for Sailors to understand that not all stress is bad.

"When most people go through something stressful they get stronger and don't get as stressed out in the future," said Peoples. "Stress should be viewed as something that helps you grow rather than decrease your ability to function."

Peoples offers Sailors a final piece of advice to keep in mind.

"Your current situation is not your final destination," said Peoples. "Whatever is happening right now is not going to last forever!"

Truman is deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, supporting maritime security operations in support of U.S. national security interests.

For more information about Truman, visit www.facebook.com/USSTruman or www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.