Caregivers at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) spend so much time taking care of individuals who are in distress -- physically or mentally -- that they may forget to take care of themselves. But when those providers need help, where do they turn?

A new Caregiver and Occupational Stress Control (CgOSC) team is available to help providers deal with daily stressors such as work, children, relationships and other life events.

The CgOSC team was formed late last year, and is a variation of Combat and Operational Stress Control (COSC). Capt. Lori Laraway, department head for Inpatient Mental Health and CgOSC team lead, has been spreading the word about the team through training in duty sections, classroom trainings and even luncheons.

"Caregivers are defined as anyone in the health care facility," Laraway said. "You don't have to be a corpsmen, doctor or physician assistants. If you are here in a supporting role then you are still considered a caregiver."

Staff should be aware of the warning signs that they or others may be exhibiting, that indicate they should seek assistance. Signs include depression, anxiety, withdrawing from others, sleeplessness and a change in personal behavior. Also look for the four sources of stress injuries -- life threat or trauma, loss, inner conflict and fatigue.

"It's important to get the word out about the team, because this let's our staff know that we have a support system for them," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class (SW) Lagioconda Phillips, CgOSC team member. "We spend so much time caring for our patients, we need to make sure we care for each other and especially care for ourselves."

According to Phillips, the team represents as many pay grades as possible so that an individual seeking help will be able to find at least one team member they will be comfortable with, whether it be someone in their paygrade or in a similar work environment.

CgOSC teaches about Caregiver and Occupational Stress First Aid, a tool used to assess a unit or individual's stress issues. The class teaches using the seven Cs. Check - look, listen, assess; coordinate - get help or refer as needed; cover - get to physical or emotional safety; calm - slow deep breaths, begin to relax; connect - get support from others; competence - restore effectiveness; confidence - restore trust in self, others, and the mission.

One tool used by the team to assess stress is the Stress Continuum. The Stress Continuum is a spectrum of stress responses categorized in four areas as a means of identifying an individual's response to stress: Green (ready), Yellow (reacting), Orange (injured), and Red (ill).

"We can come to your office and assess how you work, what the environment is and just make sure everything is okay," Phillips said.

Individuals can also be referred to talk to a member of CgOSC, but it is not mandatory.

"If you feel that you have a co-worker who could use someone to talk to, you can always let us know, and we will go up to them and ask them if they would like to talk and if they are comfortable talking to us, if they say yes - great," said Laraway. "If they say no, that's okay too - they are not required to talk to us."

The program is designed to strengthen unit cohesion, develop supportive work environments, and foster resilience in NMCP staff caregivers. The team promotes peer intervention and strives to reduce the stigma of seeking help for stress injuries.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/.