DCoE Blog

• How to Stop Using Substances to Relax

  Posted by Beth Schwinn, DCoE Public Affairs from Real Warriors on October 11, 2016

  

  Having a glass of wine or beer is a common way to relax at the end of a day or week. But alcohol or other mood-enhancing substances can be an unhealthy and ineffective way to cope with bigger issues, as this post from Real Warriors explains.

  Substance misuse is a common concern facing service members, veterans and civilians. Substances like alcohol, tobacco and drugs may be used as a way to cope with stress related to combat, reintegration or a psychological health concern. Although using substances may feel like a way to unwind or give you relief, their misuse can have a lasting, serious impact on your life. These impacts can include harm to your health and relationships. They can also lead to work troubles, financial or legal difficulties, or even death.

  Categories: DCoE, Substance Misuse Treatment, Psychological Health   |   Comments (0)

• Clinician’s Corner: Journal Highlights Health Needs of Women in Combat

  Posted by Kate McGraw, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Deployment Health Clinical Center on February 23, 2016

  

  We are living in a time of great change. Change offers us many opportunities for positive growth. At the same time, change may create unanswerable questions, generate heated discussions or even produce anxiety in those impacted most by the change.

  Military Integration Changes

  The Defense Department has seen a number of significant changes related to structure and mission. Notably, in 2013, the secretary of defense rescinded the 1994 Direct Combat Definition and Assignment Rule, which had previously closed many combat-related military occupational specialties to female service members. This decision raised questions about the best ways to integrate women into these positions and focused attention on the physical and psychological health needs of all military females.

  In the spring of 2014, the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs hosted the Women in Combat Symposium. More than 90 policy makers, researchers and service members from across the Defense Department examined women-in-combat issues related to fitness and health, operational, environmental, community and cultural factors. DCoE helped shape the symposium’s content and dialogue. My colleagues and I facilitated group discussions about the psychological health needs, resilience, and overall well-being of women in combat positions.

  Categories: Women, Clinician’s Corner, Families, DCoE, Substance Misuse Treatment, Psychological Health, Military Children   |   Comments (0)

• Clarify ‘One Drink’ to Best Assess Alcohol Misuse, Treat Patients

  Posted by Myron J. Goodman, DCoE Public Affairs on July 28, 2015

  
  Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

  Everyone likes to go out, have a good time and unwind from busy schedules. But using alcohol to help relax can be problematic.

  Cmdr. David S. Barry, a psychologist with Deployment Health Clinical Center, explained that providers should ensure patients understand exactly what “one drink” means during a July 23 webinar hosted by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

  Categories: DCoE Webinar Rewind, DCoE Products, DCoE, Substance Misuse Treatment   |   Comments (0)

• Clinician’s Corner: Tips to Stay Engaged in Therapy

  Posted by Christina Schendel, Ph.D., Deployment Health Clinical Center on May 29, 2015

  
  U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luke Rollins

  Christina Schendel, is a licensed psychologist and is special assistant for strategy integration for the Deployment Health Clinical Center. This article is written for providers and references scientific language and research.

  As clinicians, we’ve all had patients who struggle to remain engaged in therapy, especially after a breakthrough, challenging session or even an alliance rupture. We know that almost half of patients leave psychotherapy too soon, which reduces the effectiveness of therapy. Taking a look at ourselves as therapists, and the therapeutic relationship, can help us find ways to stay engaged and keep patients as active participants in their therapy.

  Categories: PTSD, Substance Misuse Treatment, Treatment, Depression, Psychological Health   |   Comments (2)

• Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Your Brain Handle Stress

  Posted by Beth Schwinn, DCoE Public Affairs on February 25, 2015

  
  U.S. Army photo

  This is the first in a series of posts on mindfulness meditation. Future posts will feature mindfulness meditation techniques and how the practice can help treat various health concerns.

  After two tours of duty in Iraq, Michael (not his real name) struggled with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild depression. A psychiatrist prescribed the 32-year-old service member medication and exposure therapy and saw him every two weeks.

  The therapy helped, but after a year Michael had trouble keeping up with the visits. He didn’t want to backslide; was there something he could do at home? Actually, there is: mindfulness meditation.

  Categories: Mindfulness, PTSD, Substance Misuse Treatment, Treatment, Depression, Psychological Health   |   Comments (8)

• Routine Military Medical Visits Can Include Behavioral Health Checkup

  Posted by Beth Schwinn, DCoE Public Affairs on January 16, 2015

  
  A mental health specialist provides triage to a soldier during a behavioral health assessment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Calvert)

  When Frances stepped on the scale at her primary care visit, she had gained more than 10 pounds. She was under a lot of stress, she told the physician assistant.

  The response was immediate: A new member of the primary care team could help Frances with a plan for coping with stress. Minutes later, she was sitting down with internal behavioral health consultant Erica Jarrett. Six months later, not only was Frances less stressed, but she’d also lost the extra weight.

  Frances (not her real name) is benefiting from the Military Health System’s decision to integrate an internal behavioral health consultant (IBHC) -- either a psychologist or a licensed clinical social worker -- into the primary care team. For the military, the goal is healthier, fitter service members.

  Categories: PTSD, Resources, Substance Misuse Treatment, Treatment, Depression, Psychological Health   |   Comments (6)