#40: How Veterans Inform VA Mental Health Apps

Dr. Joseph Simonetti discusses “lethal means safety” as a proactive approach to reducing suicide risk, particularly among individuals with PTSD and other mental health conditions. He offers tips for managing access to medications, firearms, and household items and discusses helpful VA resources like the Safety Plan app. Check out www.ptsd.va.gov for more information! Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP46.pdf ===============================

For some people, PTSD can make finding and keeping a job difficult. On this episode, Dr. Elissa McCarthy joins us to talk about common workplace challenges for individuals with PTSD and share tips and resources for overcoming obstacles so that you can thrive at work.  Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP45.pdf ===============================

In this episode, Dr. Micaela Cornis-Pop and Dr. Joel Scholten explain the connections between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD, particularly among Veterans. They discuss ways to manage symptoms through lifestyle changes and digital resources, such as the Concussion Coach mobile app. They also discuss treatment options for people who experience both TBI and PTSD.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP44.pdf ===============================

Chronic pain is very common, affecting about 1 in 4 people in the US, and can impact our lives in many ways. In this episode, Drs. Murphy and Hadlandsmyth explain the difference between acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) pain, and the relationship between pain and PTSD. They also talk about treatment options and digital tools for self-management of pain symptoms.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP43.pdf ===============================

PTSD symptoms can appear, increase, or otherwise change as we age. On this episode, Dr. Jennifer Moye talks about PTSD later in life, the resilience of older adults, and why it's never too late to seek treatment. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP42.pdf ===============================

Did you know that Veterans are more likely to have eating disorders than non-Veterans? On this episode of PTSD Bytes, Dr. Joanna Dognin breaks down stereotypes about eating disorders, explains the relationship between trauma and disordered eating behaviors, and talks about how to get help.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP41.pdf ===============================

VA’s National Center for PTSD develops mental health apps for a range of mental health concerns, like PTSD, insomnia, anger, and much more. Dr. Sarah Senti discusses the importance of feedback from Veterans to guide the development of VA mental health apps, and explains how Veterans can share their input or volunteer to participate in user testing.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP40.pdf ===============================

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Stimmel explores the connection between PTSD, Veterans, and the criminal legal system. He also shares resources for Veterans who have been arrested or incarcerated, including the VA’s Veterans Justice Outreach Program and Veterans Treatment Courts.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP39.pdf ===============================

Massed treatment for PTSD” refers to psychotherapy for PTSD that is completed in a shorter timeframe – that is, treatment is completed in a matter of weeks instead of months. In this episode, Dr. Wachen discusses different options for VA massed treatment programs, potential benefits and challenges, and how free digital mental health tools can support your recovery journey.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP38.pdf ===============================

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a chronic illness that disproportionately affects the Veteran community. In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, Dr. Hemmy discusses risk factors for contracting HIV, challenges after receiving a positive diagnosis, and tips for people who have both HIV and PTSD to help navigate treatment.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP37.pdf ===============================