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January-February 2016

The Foreign Service Journal covers foreign affairs from an insider's perspective, providing thought-provoking articles on international issues, the practice of diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service. Including the AFSA News section, The Journal is published monthly (January-February and July-August issues combined) by the American Foreign Service Association.

The January-February issue focuses on mental health care for the Foreign Service.

We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.

FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR THE FOREIGN SERVICE

The Evolution of State's Mental Health Services

MED’s mental health program has grown and evolved over the years to address the unusual needs of FS employees and their families serving overseas.

BY SAMUEL THIELMAN

Mental Health and ECS—What You Should Know

The State Department’s Employee Consultation Services can help members of the foreign affairs community resolve workplace and interpersonal concerns.

BY CHANTAY WHITE AND PAULETTE BALDWIN

The Face of Mental Health Services Overseas

State’s 22 regional medical officer/psychiatrists are the backbone of mental health support for the Foreign Service community overseas.

BY STEPHEN A. YOUNG

Time to Heal and a Place to Thrive

One DS special agent offers his own case as a model for successful rehabilitation from mental illness.

BY RONALD HOLLOWAY

MED/MHS Checkup: Foreign Service Members Weigh In

As part of our look into mental health services for the Foreign Service, we asked members in the field for their thoughts. Here is a compilation of candid views.

What About Our Kids?

Foreign Service children are just as at risk of mental health problems as the average American child, if not more so.

BY KIM DEBLAUW

A Foreign Service Officer's Alzheimer's Journey

This is the heartbreaking story, told by a devoted spouse, of a vibrant and trailblazing FSO’s descent into the most insidious form of dementia.

BY JOHN COLLINGE

FS HERITAGE

Samuel Lewis in Israel, 1977-1985

Samuel Lewis’ ambassadorship in Israel demonstrates how a professional diplomat can have an important influence on the shaping of foreign policy.

BY YOAV J. TENEMBAUM

FS KNOW-HOW

Estate Planning for the Foreign Service Community

Setting out your end-of-life instructions, including provisions for medical care and the distribution of assets to the next generation, is an essential task. This will help you get started.

BY SAM SCHMITT

COLUMNS

President's Views

Reaching Out

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Speaking Out

Retiree Access, Step by Step

BY MARY ELLEN GILROY

Reflections

The Foreign Service and a Girl Named Alex

BY JIM PATTERSON