Online VA Tools for Life’s Challenges

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 03/23/2016 03:08 PM EDT

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Welcome Message from Dr. Carolyn Greene

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Welcome to the first newsletter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mental Health Services' Online Self-Help Program. Each issue includes three sections: 1) Clinician Corner, which features tools for health care providers; 2) Spotlight, showcasing new resources for Veterans and their families; and 3) Quick Takes, highlighting tips and tricks to manage stress and difficult situations.

 
--Dr. Carolyn Greene, Clinical Psychologist, National Program Manager

Clinician Corner


VA Provides Valuable Mental Health Tools 


The Veteran population has unique needs and challenges. To better meet these needs, VA developed free online tools that can be used by Veterans and providers. A recent article in the North Carolina Medical Journal highlights VA tools, programs and practical ideas available for health professionals and also explores how to incorporate these tools into therapy.

Quick Takes

Distressed Woman


Three Ways to Manage Anger & Stress

  1. Self-Talk: Don’t let negative thoughts cloud your judgment. Help stay calm by giving yourself simple, positive commands such as, “Let it be,” or “It’s not worth it.”    
  2. Make a Plan: If you know you’re going to face a difficult situation, make a plan with ways to keep your cool. 
  3. Take a Time Out: When you are stressed or angry, it’s easy to say things you later regret. If you start to feel out of control, take a time out to cool down.

Find more tips at the Veterans Resource Center.  

Spotlight

VA App Store


Get VA Health Resources on your Smartphone & Tablet


Did you know VA has developed more than a dozen mobile apps? These apps help Veterans improve communication, learn problem-solving skills and manage anger. Three popular apps for Veterans include: 

  • Moving Forward: Learn problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles and deal with stressful situations.
  • Parenting2Go: Get practical parenting tips and tools to strengthen your family. 
  • PTSD Coach: Find out more about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), how to cope with symptoms and where to go for help.  

Visit the VA Mobile App Store to download these and other VA apps.