DCoE Blog

• 2 Mobile Apps Help Patient-Provider Collaboration

  Posted by Dr. Julie Kinn, T2 clinical psychologist on February 12, 2013

  It's difficult to estimate how many of my psychotherapy patients actually completed homework between sessions. For those who returned to my office with an automatic thought record or other tracking tool, I'm guessing at least half completed it while sitting in the waiting room.

  One of the reasons National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) developed the "T2 Mood Tracker" mobile app was to help patients have an easy and anonymous way to monitor, track and reference their moods and behaviors as well as other related health information over time. Instead of completing worksheets, users can slide buttons on their smartphone or tablet computer. And, to anyone looking over a user's shoulder, it just looks like he or she is playing a game, not actually completing therapy homework. Further, it's unusual to lose a phone or tablet, whereas those worksheets seem to magically disappear each week. 

  

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  Categories: Technology , Veterans , Resources , Treatment , Psychological Health   |   Comments (3)

• 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)

• What You Need to Know About Substance Abuse and TBI

  Posted by Diana Moon, DCoE Public Affairs on February 5, 2013

  

  U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Tina Staffieri

  For many, drinking in moderation doesn’t pose a problem. But for those with traumatic brain injury (TBI), using drugs or alcohol to cope can be dangerous. Providers need to be aware that failure to treat substance abuse problems following TBI may be counterproductive to a successful recovery, and lead to added medical, psychiatric or behavioral problems, unemployment and family troubles for patients.

  The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) addressed these concerns during the January webinar, “Substance Abuse and Traumatic Brain Injury: Magnitude, Manifestations, Myths and Management.” Dr. Charles H. Bombardier, professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, discussed key messages for health professionals to consider when working with patients with both substance abuse and TBI, which included:

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  Categories: Traumatic Brain Injury , Research , Substance Misuse Treatment , Treatment , Psychological Health   |   Comments (6)

• 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)

• 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.

  
  

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  Categories: Stress , PTSD , Treatment , Psychological Health   |   Comments (2)

• Ready to Seek Psychological Health Care? Find the Right Resources

  Posted by Diana Moon, DCoE Public Affairs on January 16, 2013

  If you’re looking for information about psychological health care, but are unsure what resources are available or which ones are confidential, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) created a fact sheet of psychological health resources that answers those questions. You can use the fact sheet to identify a health care resource that will best benefit your specific needs.

  
  

  Resources for Psychological Health Care

   

  The fact sheet lists resources ranging from hotlines to self-assessments to one-on-one counseling sessions.

   

  Information and hotline assistance

  
  

  Reach out for relevant information or immediate help.

  
  
  

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  Categories: Community Support , DCoE , Resources , Treatment , Psychological Health   |   Comments (2)