DCoE Blog

• Stress and the Holidays: What would the Griswolds Say?

  Posted by Almarah Belk, DCoE Public Affairs on November 25, 2014

  
  National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2)

  In the holiday comedy movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Clark Griswold (played by actor Chevy Chase) wants a perfect family Christmas; however, things go awry quickly.

  We think movies like this are funny because most of us can relate to the tales of holiday stress (aka holiday traditions) as spun on our viewing screens. Most of us have had something go wrong during a holiday gathering, particularly during a family holiday gathering.

  “You set standards that no family can live up to.” – Ellen Griswold

  Webster’s dictionary defines “holiday” as a special day of celebration... a day when most people do not have to work… as a period of relief.

  No work? Relief? In reality, and in quite a contrast from the traditional definition, we’ve come to view the holidays – basically the time between mid-November to mid-January – as a period of great stress and anxiety with more work to be done.

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

• Webinar Addresses Technology Innovations for TBI

  Posted by Almarah Belk, DCoE Public Affairs on November 20, 2014

  
  U.S. Army photo by Maj. Deanna Bague

  Technology solutions come out so quickly that we’ve all heard “there’s an app for that!” Integrating these tools into how health care providers assess and treat traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly important, for military members, veterans and their families, said experts during a recent webinar hosted by National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2), a Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) center.

  “Technology is becoming a bigger part of our daily lives and provides a unique resource, using mobile apps and websites, for how we provide care to military members suffering from brain injuries,” said David C. Cooper, a psychologist with the Mobile Health Program at T2.

  Categories: Traumatic Brain Injury, Technology, DCoE Products, Resources, Training   |   Comments (0)

• Military Care Coordinators Learn to Identify Brain Injuries, PTSD

  Posted by Beth Schwinn, DCoE Public Affairs on November 13, 2014

  

  For the 18 military care coordinators in the room, the serious topics under discussion—brain injuries and psychological health--eclipse the lazy beams of afternoon sun shining into the second-floor training room in Shirlington, Virginia.

  The men and women, representing many military departments, were there to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in warfighters. Learning how to identify these signs gives care coordinators the ability to make referrals to the experts who will provide proper treatment.

  PTSD is a clinically-diagnosed condition that can happen to people who have experienced one or more traumatic events. TBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Mild TBI, also known as concussion, is the most common form of TBI in the military.

  Categories: Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, DCoE, Treatment, Psychological Health   |   Comments (0)

• Honoring our Veterans

  Posted by Capt. Richard F. Stoltz, DCoE director on November 10, 2014

  
  Navy Captain Richard F. Stoltz

  Last week our nation’s citizens had the opportunity to freely exercise their right to vote when so many others across the globe do not share the same freedom. Now we look ahead to honoring America's veterans for protecting that right to vote, their patriotism, and love of country. Their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good ensures our nation remains independent and free. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of an organization that works to provide for the psychological health and traumatic brain injury needs of our service members.

  We think not only of the veterans of recent conflicts, but also those from prior years, from World War II to Korea to Vietnam and beyond. Young or old, they all deserve our respect and support.

  Since 9/11, our nation has experienced a long period of conflict involving multiple deployments for many in our all-volunteer force.

  Categories: Community Support, Veterans, DCoE, Leadership   |   Comments (0)