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Create Community
The holidays can bring additional stress and sometimes even feelings of loneliness amid the hustle and bustle and large crowds. A sense of community during this time of year can help women Veterans ward off loneliness, stress and anxiety, especially if they’re separated from family and friends due to the pandemic. VA encourages women Veterans to Create Community this Holiday. Connect with Other Veterans. Many Veteran organizations provide opportunities for Veterans to connect with each other through online and in-person peer support organizations, social networking groups, and volunteer activities. Women Veterans can explore national and local opportunities by checking out the Women’s Health website for a list of organizations here or contacting their State Women Veterans Coordinator for local information.
A growing body of research[1][2] indicates that loneliness has serious consequences for cognition, emotion, behavior and health, and predicts increased morbidity and mortality. Results of National Health and Resilience in Veterans[3] studies suggest that interventions that aim to assist Veterans in building social connections and becoming better integrated in their communities, such as those that promote volunteerism and reduce loneliness, may help enhance resilience among Veterans. Other studies reinforce[4] that the opportunity for Veterans to connect with each other and the camaraderie between them can help with handling stressors, impart hope and motivation, and improve overall health and wellness.
A sense of community during the holiday season can help women Veterans ward off loneliness, stress and anxiety, especially if they’re separated from family and friends due to the pandemic.
Women Veterans for Women Veterans (WV2)
WV2 is where women Veterans come together to motivate, inspire, and share
insights and resources with each other. We celebrate the good times and unite to
support in challenging times. We are Women Veterans for Women Veterans (WV2)!
Location: Virtual, Microsoft Teams
Type: Registration required, see below contact
Date: 1st Wednesday of every month
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
*You will be sent a link to join the group once registered.
For registration and additional information, contact:
VA Salt Lake City Women Veterans Program at 801-582-1565, ext. 3552
or cheri.engberson@va.gov.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
December 1 and January 5: Women Veterans for Women Veterans (WV2) group. Meet every 1st Wednesday of the month 11:30am – 1:00pm. Register through the Women Veterans Program at 801-582-1565 x3552 or Cheri.Engberson@va.gov
December 6,13,20, and 27: NADA Acupuncture. Monday's in Women's Clinic. For info contact Dr. Adriana Rojas at adriana.rojas@va.gov or 801-582-1565 x2685.
December 7, 14, 21, and 28: New Mom's Group. Tuesdays 1-2:30pm in-person & 3-4:30pm virtually. Please email or call Sabrina Martinez to register at:
sabrina.martinez2@va.gov or 801-581-1565 x 2894
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Upholding Valor Podcast
Spiritual healing can be just as important as physical healing. In this week’s Upholding Valor, we look at VA’s Equine Therapy Program and how horses help heal our Veterans.
Upholding Valor: Equine Therapy - YouTube
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Mental Health
By Sabrina Martinez, LCSW
The holidays can both be a time of celebration and distress depending on our mental and physical well-being. Like last year, this holiday season is likely present challenges due to the pandemic impacting how our holidays celebrations look. If the holidays take an emotional toll on you, here are some things you can do to reduce your stress.
- Acknowledge your feelings
- Reach out for support
- Reduce expectations
- Plan & stick to a budget
- Practice saying “no”
- Move your body
- Seek professional help
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Jamie's Corner
By Jamie Radcliffe, RN
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is associated with the changing of seasons. It can be related to either spring/summer or fall/winter, but fall/winter is more common. Many people experience lower spirits during the darker months of the year, but SAD is a diagnosable condition that shouldn’t be ignored. Researchers are unsure why, but 75% of people with SAD are women.
Several factors contribute to SAD. First, a lack of sunlight can make serotonin levels drop, which can affect mood. This can interfere with your circadian rhythms and affect the normal rhythm of your body. The reduction of sunlight can also cause an overproduction of melatonin in some people, which can make them feel more sleepy and less energetic during the fall/winter months.
Symptoms of SAD include oversleeping, appetite changes (like craving foods high in carbs), weight gain, and tiredness or low energy. If your “winter blues” are affecting your ability to function normally in your life, please contact your VA PCP for help. You can also be connected with mental health services for resources.
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Keep updated & let us know how we're doing.
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