DCoE Blog

• 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)

• Service Members, Former NFL Players Share Common Ground on Game Day

  Posted by DCoE Public Affairs on January 29, 2013

  

  Former wide receiver Hank Baskett holds up a sign of thanks for service members. (Photo courtesy of Real Warriors Campaign)

  Sometimes it’s easier to talk about challenging experiences with someone who has been down a similar path. That’s the premise behind a program that puts service members together with former NFL players to watch football games, socialize and discuss common reintegration challenges, and through those exchanges, help break down barriers to seeking help for psychological health concerns or traumatic brain injuries. 

  This is the third year Real Warriors Campaign, sponsored by Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, partnered with National Football League Players Association to host “Game Day” events at military installations. In December 2012 and January 2013, nearly 300 service members and families heard former NFL players share their difficulties with transitioning from the NFL experience. By talking candidly about their struggles and getting help, these former professional athletes hoped service members and families coping with psychological health issues and transitioning from the military would embrace their messages, such as:

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  Categories: Real Warriors Campaign/Stigma , Collaborations , Personal Stories , Community Support , Families , DCoE , Psychological Health   |   Comments (2)

• Sergeant Major of the Army Speaks Out About Army Values, Psychological Health

  Posted by Stephanie Ayres, Real Warriors Campaign media relations lead on January 8, 2013

  “Loyalty is extremely important to us and if you say you are part of the Army and part of something larger than yourself, that loyalty to the person to the left or right of you, or the superior or the subordinate — it means something.” – U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Ray Chandler

  
  

  
  

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  Categories: Real Warriors Campaign/Stigma , Personal Stories , Families , DCoE , Treatment , Psychological Health , Leadership   |   Comments (2)

• Take Care of Yourself Along the Way

  Posted by Corina Notyce , DCoE Strategic Communications on August 14, 2012

  “You carry around the stress of all the troops. From your [commanding officer] to the private, they come to you. The question is: who do you go to?”    —U.S. Navy Lt. (Chaplain) Jose Bautista Rojas

  Real Warriors Campaign recently launched video public service announcements (PSAs) highlighting the importance for caregivers to seek help. Whether at home or deployed, medics, nurses, physicians, chaplains and military families often cope with both their own stress and those they support. Watch and share the PSAs to encourage caregivers to reach out for support if they’re coping with stress or other psychological health concerns.

  
  Video courtesy of Real Warriors Campaign

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

• Tips to Ease Financial Stress After Deployment

  Posted by Corina Notyce , DCoE Strategic Communications on August 9, 2012

  	U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Lee

  Now that you’re back, it’s important that you take time to revisit your financial affairs. Your income and monthly expenses will change since you’re no longer deployed. Evaluating your financial health to make sure your obligations and needs are covered will help you prevent unwanted financial stress during this readjustment period. Consider using the following tips and tools highlighted in the Real Warriors Campaign article, “Planning for Financial Health After Deployment,” to help give you financial peace of mind as you reintegrate to life at home.

  Determine financial management roles
  While you were away, a spouse, parent or other responsible individual may have served as your financial overseer and managed your financial obligations. Now that you’re home, re-evaluate these roles to establish who will manage your family’s financial responsibilities moving forward.

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  Categories: Real Warriors Campaign/Stigma , Stress , Families , Resources , Deployments   |   Comments (0)

• Avoid Financial Stress While Deployed

  Posted by Corina Notyce , DCoE Strategic Communications on July 5, 2012

  	U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro

  We’ve previously featured what you can do to prepare your finances before a deployment, but maintaining your financial health while deployed is just as important. Financial-related stress could eventually lead to debt, relationship challenges or psychological health concerns such as depression or substance misuse. So, use the following money management tips and resources highlighted in the Real Warriors Campaign’s article, “Managing Financial Challenges During Deployment,” to help you balance the demands of deployment with financial obligations.

  Follow your financial management plan

  Before you left, you and your family may have created a financial plan to follow while you’re away. If not, you can still create a spending plan to help you save money for emergencies or pay off credit cards and other debt. If you exceed your monthly budget, get back on track as soon as possible. To help recover from overspending, try these tips:

  • Re-evaluate your original spending plan and identify the reason or reasons for exceeding it. By determining the cause for overspending, you can help your family recover and prevent it in the future.

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  Categories: Real Warriors Campaign/Stigma , Stress , Families , Resources , Deployments   |   Comments (0)