Traditionally, hope boxes contain sentimental items like vintage family photos, love letters and crayoned construction paper drawings of mommy and daddy.

A new mobile application on the horizon uses smartphone technology to duplicate the therapeutic benefits of the traditional coffer to help service members cope during times of high stress and crises.

The app is being developed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology also known as T2. One of the goals of the Virtual Hope Box, says Dr. Robert Ciulla, chief of population and prevention programs for T2 is, “to help individuals who are in acute distress to access some pleasant soothing kinds of content they’ve preloaded to help them get through that distressing or traumatic experience.”

The interactive tool focuses the user on memories, such as family photos, supportive messages from loved ones and music that have been digitally preserved.  Other features of the app include relaxation and distraction modules that include a deep breathing tool, progressive muscle relaxation activities, puzzles and word search games taken directly from user content.

The National Center for Telehealth and Technology is a component center of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury and part of the Military Health System.

T2 offers many mobile apps related to psychological health.

If you are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, or know someone who is, call the National Veterans/Military Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255 (press 1), text a crisis counselor at 838255 or start an anonymous online chat to get help.

Read more about suicide prevention awareness on health.mil.