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Clinician Corner
Dealing
with Seasonal Stress
 Autumn often brings more than just a change in the weather. For some Veterans, it means heading back to school for the first time in a while, starting a new job or adjusting to a new city. Any of these situations can lead to stress, especially for those making the transition from military to civilian life.
Healthcare providers working with Veterans can help guide them through this potentially challenging time. Clinicians can help identify possible stress points and recommend VA’s Veterans Online Self-Help Resource Center. It is a free, online resource that teaches skills and tools that Veterans can access anonymously at the time and location of their choice.
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The Resource Center features online courses that can be started at any time and completed anonymously:
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Moving Forward: a confidential online problem-solving platform for Veterans that helps with overcoming stressful issues and meeting goals.
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Parenting for Servicemembers & Veterans: designed by parents, for parents, this resource helps Veterans reconnect with their children and strengthen their parenting and communication skills.
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Anger and Irritability Management Skills: based on training successfully used by Veterans around the world, this online course offers a wide range of practical skills and tools to manage anger and actions.
These tools complement in-person therapy and can be taken with people to be used anywhere, anytime.
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Spotlight
Going Back to School
with Confidence
Going back to school as an adult can be a hard transition.
By identifying possible challenges, and potential solutions, ahead of time, Veterans
can enter the school year with confidence. VA’s online Moving Forward program can help, and
encourages Veterans to develop an Action Plan for success. Below are three strategies
for Veterans to create a personal Action Plan:
- Have a clear vision of how more
education and new skills will benefit career goals
- Manage time well by creating a
schedule including time for family, school, and work
- Know what resources the school offers
for Veterans and get connected with other organizations that focus on mental,
physical and emotional well-being. Check out this list of Additional Resources.
Visit
Moving Forward for more tips on how to prepare for success this school
year.
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Quick Takes
Three Ways to Tame a Temper
With the end of summer comes more traffic, responsibilities,
and stress. Anger can quickly become an
overwhelming and intense feeling. VA’s Anger & Irritability Management
Skills (AIMS) course offers a range of tools to help
develop self-control over thoughts and
actions. Here are three tips to help manage anger:
- Timeout: When
anger heats up, stop; take a moment and return when cool, calm and in control
- Deep
breathing: Take slow, deep breaths, and exhale slowly
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Know personal
anger triggers and situations; when getting angry, take a time out. Start to be
aware of warning signs and have a plan to regain control (i.e. go for a walk,
get some exercise, write down thoughts).
Visit Anger &
Irritability Management Skills (AIMS) to learn more about managing anger.
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