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:

  Read More »

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

• Frontline Psych with Doc Bender: Could Psychotherapy Help You?

  Posted by Dr. James Bender, DCoE clinical psychologist on January 24, 2013

  

  U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Duncan Brennan

  Dr. James Bender is a former Army psychologist who deployed to Iraq as the brigade psychologist for the 1st Cavalry Division 4th Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Hood, Texas. During his deployment he traveled through Southern Iraq, from Basra to Baghdad. He writes a monthly post for the DCoE Blog on psychological health concerns related to deployment and being in the military.
  
  How do you make a soldier run away screaming? Suggest therapy.
  
  Although this is an exaggeration, the truth is most service members aren’t open to the idea of talking to a stranger about personal issues. When I’ve suggested therapy, responses have ranged from anger to disbelief and often back to anger, with the assumption that I considered them “weak” or “broken.” Far too many service members view a psychological health concern as a character flaw instead of what it is, a treatable condition. Therapy isn’t for “weak” or “broken” people. It’s for people who recognize a problem, address it and then overcome it.

  
  

  Read More »

  Categories: Stress , PTSD , 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:
  

  Read More »

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

• How to Help Restore a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of Tragic Events

  Posted by Navy Capt. Paul S. Hammer, DCoE director on December 19, 2012

  

  Photo Courtesy of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

  On behalf of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, their loved ones and the entire community of Newtown, Conn.
  
  The mass shooting in Connecticut has left an entire nation with an overwhelming sense of uncertainty, struggling to understand and mourn the loss of innocence by so many. During this painful time, as we struggle with the loss and trauma of Dec. 14, it’s important to connect with others as much as possible and not isolate ourselves.
  
  As adults, parents, loved ones and community members, it’s understandably difficult to cope with tragic events of this nature. Knowing how to support and communicate with the children and teenagers in our lives who are also grappling with the same feelings and unanswered questions can pose additional challenges.
  
  

  Read More »

  Categories: Resilience , Stress , Community Support , Families , Psychological Health   |   Comments (2)

• Encourage Healing After a Disaster

  Posted by Dr. Vladimir Nacev, Deployment Health Clinical Center clinical psychologist on December 18, 2012

  

  A United States flag flies in the background amidst debris and destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy in Toms River N.J., Nov. 3, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser)

  Exposure to natural disasters — hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires — and manmade disasters — shootings, workplace violence, and war — may place a tremendous burden on our resilience, self-esteem and ability to survive a disaster.
  
  Psychology provides us with an understanding of how we might cope with some of these feelings. For example, it’s normal to experience a wide range of emotional, behavioral and psychological reactions to trauma. Feelings of helplessness, anger, fear and sadness are expected, and allowing yourself to experience these feelings is necessary for healing. Over time, these feelings will begin to fade, but keep in mind grieving is a process that may take months or a year, or more to work through. It isn’t something that can be rushed. However, there are things you and your loved ones can do to encourage healing:
  
  

  Read More »

  Categories: Resilience , Stress , Community Support , Families , Psychological Health   |   Comments (1)

• 3 Mobile Apps Help You Relax

  Posted by Corina Notyce, DCoE Public Affairs on December 6, 2012

  

  U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rebekka Heite

  Is your temper short? Are you anxious? Find it hard to concentrate? What about your sleep habits — sleeping too much or too little? How about your mood — family and friends say you’re pleasant to be around? Your answers to these questions may reveal a level of stress that needs attention.  
  
  Everyone experiences stress at times. The demands of life can be overwhelming, and the unique challenges common to military life adds even more pressure. In addition to external factors that can lead to stress (job demands, relationship difficulties, increased family responsibilities, financial issues), it’s important to know that stress can be self-generated (negative self-talk, unrealistic expectations, always needing to be in control, seeking perfection). Whatever might be causing you stress there are steps you can take now to help reduce its harmful effects on your emotional and psychological health. Keeping that in mind, here are three mobile apps from National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) to help you manage and cope with stress effectively:

   

  Read More »

  Categories: Technology , Stress , Veterans , Resources , Psychological Health   |   Comments (1)