DCoE Blog

• 2 Mobile Apps Help Patient-Provider Collaboration

  Posted by Dr. Julie Kinn, T2 clinical psychologist on February 12, 2013

  It's difficult to estimate how many of my psychotherapy patients actually completed homework between sessions. For those who returned to my office with an automatic thought record or other tracking tool, I'm guessing at least half completed it while sitting in the waiting room.

  One of the reasons National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) developed the "T2 Mood Tracker" mobile app was to help patients have an easy and anonymous way to monitor, track and reference their moods and behaviors as well as other related health information over time. Instead of completing worksheets, users can slide buttons on their smartphone or tablet computer. And, to anyone looking over a user's shoulder, it just looks like he or she is playing a game, not actually completing therapy homework. Further, it's unusual to lose a phone or tablet, whereas those worksheets seem to magically disappear each week. 

  

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  Categories: Technology , Veterans , Resources , Treatment , Psychological Health   |   Comments (3)

• Tips on Reducing Job Interview Stress: Before, During and After

  Posted by Corina Notyce, DCoE Public Affairs on February 7, 2013

  

  U.S. Army photo by Dustin Senger

  If you’re like many people, the initial excitement felt after landing an interview with a potential employer turns quickly to feelings of nervousness about the interview and questions you may be asked, or questions you hope aren’t asked. To help you manage these unknowns and prepare for what follows, the Real Warriors Campaign article, “Tips on Reducing Job Interview Stress,” offers insight to help you build confidence and reduce stress during the job interview process.

  Before the Interview: Prepare
  You’ve secured the interview, now prepare for it. The interviewing process is an important opportunity for the employer to learn more about you in addition to what’s on your resume. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about the company and position for which you’re interviewing. Below are some best practices to help you organize your thoughts and gather essential information to share:

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  Categories: Real Warriors Campaign/Stigma , Stress , Veterans , Resources , Psychological Health   |   Comments (0)

• Ready to Seek Psychological Health Care? Find the Right Resources

  Posted by Diana Moon, DCoE Public Affairs on January 16, 2013

  If you’re looking for information about psychological health care, but are unsure what resources are available or which ones are confidential, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) created a fact sheet of psychological health resources that answers those questions. You can use the fact sheet to identify a health care resource that will best benefit your specific needs.

  
  

  Resources for Psychological Health Care

   

  The fact sheet lists resources ranging from hotlines to self-assessments to one-on-one counseling sessions.

   

  Information and hotline assistance

  
  

  Reach out for relevant information or immediate help.

  
  
  

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  Categories: Community Support , DCoE , Resources , Treatment , Psychological Health   |   Comments (2)

• Tips for Encouraging Your Loved One to Access Mental Health Services

  Posted by Corina Notyce, DCoE Public Affairs on January 2, 2013

  

  Below is a blog post from Military Pathways, written by Dr. Steven L. Sayers, a psychologist and director of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Coaching Into Care program.
  
  

  It happens every year. We visit friends and family who we only see occasionally and are often surprised at their condition. For the family of a struggling veteran, this can be especially difficult if that veteran doesn’t want to seek treatment. Fortunately, there is a program specifically for those trying to help a veteran who won’t seek treatment. The program will “coach” you through working with your vet.
  
  Family members are key resources for service members and veterans. They know when something is wrong and can encourage each other to seek help. Unfortunately, sometimes misunderstandings, disagreements and conflicts get in the way of helping. Here are some suggestions for working with your service member or veteran when you think he or she is troubled and experiencing depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another mental health concern:
  

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  Categories: Stress , PTSD , Families , Veterans , Resources , Treatment , Depression , Psychological Health   |   Comments (0)

• Job Searching Tips for the Veteran with PTSD or TBI

  Posted by Dr. Nathan D. Ainspan, industrial psychologist with the Army on December 27, 2012

  

  Courtesy of Nathan Ainspan

  I won’t lie to you. Looking for a job in the current economic climate is hard. Finding an employer who understands your military background can be tough. And, thanks to misinformation and misperceptions about mental health concerns, many employers are hesitant, if not scared, to hire veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). So, if you’re a veteran looking for work right now, it may seem like the deck is stacked against you. Here are five suggestions to help you improve your odds and transition into a civilian job.
  
  1. Figure Out What You Are Able To Do
  Having PTSD or TBI may prevent you from carrying out certain duties on the job — but that doesn’t diminish what you are capable of doing. Take inventory of your skills, what you can and can no longer do. But, don’t be too quick to limit yourself — many accommodations exist that will allow you to perform tasks you might not have thought possible. For ideas and information on accommodations, visit the Job Accommodation Network. Finding out what you can do will help you figure out what you want to do.
  
  

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  Categories: Traumatic Brain Injury , PTSD , Veterans , Reintegration , Resources , Psychological Health   |   Comments (0)

• Eat, Drink and Be Merry… Responsibly

  Posted by U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. David Barry, DHCC clinical psychologist on December 20, 2012

  
  U.S. Marine Corps photo

  Family dinners, work parties, happy hours, New Year’s festivities and many other social gatherings are prevalent during this time of year. Typically a joyous time with family and friends, these activities often lead to overeating and indulging ourselves in unhealthy foods we normally would resist, as well as drinking more frequently and potentially abusively.
  
  Whether the drinking environment is centered on grandma’s brandy eggnog or other holiday alcoholic drinks, we live in a culture that tells us it’s OK to drink during the holidays. Throughout the season, there is an increase in availability of alcohol at parties and family functions we attend, which may make it more difficult for those trying to avoid drinking too much. Additionally, many holiday drinks are mixed, making the strength of the alcohol content relatively unknown. A drink like this is often stronger than a standard drink, and can get the unwary drinker into trouble.
  
  

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  Categories: Women , Community Support , Families , Veterans , Resources , Substance Misuse Treatment   |   Comments (4)