New “LifeArmor” app, developed by National Center for Telehealth & Technology, is available for smartphones.

Sure, a wrench and hammer are handy to keep around, but how about a “Gratitude Letter” or a “Perspective Change” tool? For those returning from deployment with common post-deployment issues, these interactive tools available on a new mobile application from National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2), a Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury center, can be essential resources for coping and building resilience.

Modeled after afterdeployment.org and available on iPhone, iPad and Android systems, the app provides information on 17 different topics where post-deployment issues can impact. Each topic includes an assessment, information about concerns related to the topic, videos of those who coped with an issue, and tools to help cope with psychological concerns and traumatic brain injury.

“The app features many of the issues that are common to service members and military families, including tips for families and friendships, life stress and anxiety, mild traumatic brain injury, anger, substance abuse and military sexual trauma,” said Dr. Julie Kinn, T2 psychologist and mobile applications lead.

The app provides interactive ways to engage users who might be hesitant about reaching out for help, as well as resources that connect them with support.

“If a user says, ‘Do I really have a sleep problem?’ they can use the tools even if they’re not ready to see a provider,” said Kinn. “Users can assess themselves, learn ways to cope and connect with help, such as close support contacts they can import, a Military OneSource consultant and the DCoE Outreach Center.”

The tools offer different ways to help users cope with stress, such as a time-out clock for parents who may need time to themselves or a writing tool for inspiration when a user may be going through a tough time. The “Gratitude Letter” writing tool encourages users to write a note of thanks to someone who has made a difference in their lives — an activity that can help lift moods and enhance a relationship with a supportive person.

Like afterdeployment.org, “LifeArmor” assessments, educational materials and tools are evidence-based resources that help manage post-deployment concerns. With the introduction of the app, users can navigate through an issue and access a variety of provider-approved materials and support immediately from the palm of their hand.

“Our smartphones and tablet computers are becoming an extension of ourselves. Having this resource on a mobile phone is essential because we don’t always have access to the Internet, and we can’t always predict when we’re going to need these materials,” Kinn said.

Learn more about the “LifeArmor” app, download it for free and don’t hesitate to give us your feedback.