Do you like to stay well informed? Do you believe in taking an active role in your health care? Social media offers many opportunities for that.

Social media helps people feel connected to others who are facing similar challenges, provides a way to find resources day or night and offers tools that supplement care from providers. Let go of the idea that no one knows your troubles, cares or understands what you’re going through when you have mental health concerns or are coping with traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms. You’ll find quite the contrary on DCoE social media platforms. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Talk with us on Facebook
We know you have questions and pressing concerns about mental health and traumatic brain injury. So, talk with us. We fill our page on Facebook with resources, personal stories, interesting research, special events, new mobile apps, and all kinds of information relevant to you and your concerns. It’s a good place to learn about us, and for us to learn about you.

2. Find a voice on Twitter
When your questions are hot, you want answers fast. Our social media team tweets a smooth blend of breaking news, vital resources and engaging topics on living with TBI and mental health concerns. We live tweet our webinars for those unable to join by phone. We link you to information you need to know from DCoE, our partners and our followers to understand your world better.

3. Break it down, blog by blog
Spend some time with experts and people like you who can help you, or help you help yourself. Are you a military family under stress? Looking for ways to boost resilience? Interested in the benefits of mobile treatment technology? Subscribe to the DCoE Blog and discover the many ways to learn, ‘You are not alone.’

4. Stick with us
A picture is worth a thousand words. Mental health concerns and traumatic brain injury evoke strong emotions. There’s nothing like a good visual to capture what you’re feeling or concerned about. We pin creative infographics, memorable pictures, inspirational quotes and helpful resources to our Pinterest board. We encourage you to pin them to other boards.

5. Keep the conversation going
Keep talking, reading, learning and sharing. There’s much to gain from using these portals into mental health and traumatic brain injury prevention and care. Stay with us as we grow our presence on YouTube, Google+ and SlideShare for enhanced connectivity with you.

We love to hear from you.

And, if you don’t see what you need from the DCoE social media team, let us know or visit one of the many other pages that are designed to help our service members, veterans and their families.