Singer-songwriter Bill Withers said in his 1972 hit song "Lean on Me:" Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow. But if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow. Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on.

Sailors sometimes need to be reminded there is always someone to lean on.

Aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) offers several resources for Sailors to receive counseling. Whether the Sailor needs someone to be a listening ear or someone to help them out with unresolved issues, the command psychiatrist, deployed resiliency counselor (DRC), and chaplains are all qualified people to confide in and receive help from.

Anyone who asks a chaplain, "Psych Boss," or the DRC for help is already helping themselves.

They automatically have my greatest respect, said Cmdr. Philip Bagrow, a Navy chaplain aboard George Washington. It takes a really strong person to say they need help. None of us can really do many things on our own. Imagine if there was one airman, and he or she had to run up to the flight deck and take care of getting the jet off, getting the jet landed, and getting the jet fueled up. It just seems ludicrous to think about it.

While some Sailors have been able to muster the courage to seek help on their own, others may need support from their shipmates to get assistance.

One of the best things a person can do when they recognize their shipmate needs help is be supportive, said Petty Officer 3rd Class John A. Stone, behavioral health technician aboard George Washington. It is important to remove the stigma that commonly follows counseling.

While providing advice and a listening ear, counselors also offer a safe place to discuss private matters such as relationship advice, familial issues, and adjusting to ship life.

One of the common misconceptions Sailors have is that if they seek help, they will risk being discharged from the Navy, said Stone. Making an appointment with a counselor allows Sailors to get the help they need.

When seeking support, some Sailors may be concerned about confidentiality.

Chaplains hear everything, said Bagrow. Chaplains have a confidentiality that no one else on the ship has. Doctors, lawyers, DRC, and Psych Boss all have ceilings to their confidentiality. They are required to report things such as drug abuse, abuse of a child, suicidal and homicidal behavior. A Sailor can tell a chaplain anything, and unless they give us permission to disclose that information, we are required to keep it confidential.

In addition to Sailors knowing their business will be kept confidential, it is also important to have their voice heard.

When a Sailor comes into Bagrow's office, he makes sure each Sailor has his undivided attention.

One of the first things I do is remove my ID card from my computer, said Bagrow. I don't do anything besides listen to that Sailor. If I don't do that first, I haven't started our session correctly.

In addition to different professionals to talk to, the command also uses events to inform Sailors of available avenues for counseling.

Take Back the Night, an event originally started by George Washington's previous chaplain, Capt. Kim Donahue, and continued by Bagrow is an event to raise awareness about sexual assault and abuse. Bagrow is hosting another Take Back the Night event Dec. 13 with the theme of removing the metaphorical mask. This event is not only meant to raise awareness about sexual assault and abuse, but also to shine light on male sexual assault and abuse. Sailors will also be informed of myths and facts about male victims.

If a Sailor wants to seek help, or if anyone knows a shipmate who may need a little encouragement along the way, it is easy to schedule an appointment with any of the command's counselors.

To schedule an appointment with a chaplain, Sailors can contact command religious ministries department (CRMD). Sailors can request a specific chaplain if they prefer, and may also receive a referral to the command's psych department from the chaplains. In addition, Sailors can email Stone directly or go to sick call for appointments with Stone or the Psych Boss.

Regardless of a Sailor's need, there is always someone they can lean on aboard GW.

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For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/USSGW or http://www.twitter.com/GW_CVN73.