Real Warriors

Psychological Fitness – Keeping Your Mind Fit

2012-02-22T22:00:00-08:00

Fitness is a whole-of-body experience, not just about how much weight you can lift, or how many miles you can run, but it includes a number of other factors outside the realm of strength, agility and speed. Psychological fitness is one of those factors. Understanding what makes up psychological fitness and how to develop a healthier mental state can improve your readiness to confront the challenges of life – both in the military and in civilian life.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Kilgore/Released

Thu, 2012-02-23

Breathing, Meditation, Relaxation Techniques

2012-02-15T13:33:28-08:00

Staying fit requires more than physical strength – it requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on the mind, body and spirit working together. Whether you are preparing to deploy, are currently deployed or are reintegrating, it’s important to consider how mind and body practices like breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques can assist you in staying resilient or coping with invisible wounds. Mind and body skills are part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and integrative health practices that focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body and behavior, in order to use the mind to strengthen physical functioning and promote health.1 CAM and integrative health are a diverse group of medical and non-medical health care practices that are not considered to be part of conventional medicine, or clinical care practiced by a health provider.1 Note, CAM and integrative health practices are not currently covered under TRICARE military health care plans. For more information on TRICARE coverage, visit TRICARE Covered Services online.

Source: U.S. Marine Corps photo by
Sgt. Mallory S. VanderSchans/Released

Thu, 2012-02-16

Coping with Survivor Guilt & Grief

2012-01-24T03:28:22-08:00

Following the death or severe injury of a fellow service member, friend or loved one, you can sometimes feel shock, responsibility for the event or remorse for surviving. This is a common emotional reaction often called “survivor guilt.”1

Source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class
Desiree D. Green/Released

Thu, 2012-01-26

Veterans Affairs’ Caregiver Benefits & National Support Line

2012-01-11T08:35:26-08:00

Service members returning from deployment may be coping with physical injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or psychological health concerns such as combat stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect the entire family – particularly primary caregivers. Taking care of your veteran requires real strength. Whether it’s handling the household chores, assisting with daily hygiene activities, taking your veteran to appointments or just being there in their time of need, caregiving takes endurance, commitment and patience. You are not alone. There are resources available to help you care for your loved one, as well as provide support and help you manage the stresses that can occur with being a caregiver.

Source: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle M. Bacon/Released

Wed, 2012-01-11

Finding Support Resources in Your Community

2011-12-28T04:48:56-08:00

When a service member, veteran or family is ready to reach out for support services for reintegration challenges, it is easiest to start in your own community. We have highlighted several resources and services that are available nationally and locally to help you with employment, housing, counseling, education assistance and much more.

Source: U.S. Army photo by Capt. Christopher Larsen/Released

Wed, 2011-12-28

Easing Holiday and Reintegration Stress

2011-12-14T22:00:00-08:00

The holidays are a great time to reconnect with family and friends and spend time with your loved ones, but the holidays can also be difficult. For Service members who are coping with invisible wounds – including members of the National Guard and Reserve who may not have the same natural deployment support networks like Service members at military installations–the holidays may be especially stressful. Read the following tips for Real Warriors and families going through the reintegration process this holiday season, which will help keep your family healthy and strong.

Holiday Ecards
The holidays can be difficult when you are separated from those you love. Whether you are a service member or family of a service member, you can send an ecard to someone you are missing during the holidays.

Fri, 2011-12-09

Working With Your Child’s Educators During Deployment

2011-12-07T11:52:42-08:00

Throughout the deployment cycle, service members and their families experience many changes, including shifting roles and responsibilities as well as new routines. Children may experience stress as a result, but parents and guardians can help them build resilience by actively engaging with their child’s educators – including school administrators, counselors and teachers. During this time of change, the stability and predictability of school can be a source of support for your child.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Foltz/Released

Wed, 2011-12-07

What VSOs Can Do For You

2011-11-29T12:17:34-08:00

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class
Rosa A. Arzola/Released

As service members transition to veteran status, they will begin to explore the services and benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) including:

Thu, 2011-12-01

Helping Families Understand Combat Stress

2011-11-21T10:42:56-08:00

Welcoming home a loved one from a deployment is an emotional time for service members and their families. As a family member, you hope that your warrior quickly reintegrates to “normal” life, but the stresses associated with combat experience can linger. Traumatic events involving direct combat or non- combat, such as your loved one coping with the death of a fellow service member, can sometimes lead to behavior changes or even development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Source: U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist
Roger S. Duncan Released

Mon, 2011-11-21

Resources for Transitioning Back to School

2011-11-15T15:02:06-08:00

Many members of the National Guard and reserve choose to enroll in a higher education or a vocational program while continuing to serve their country. National Guardsmen and reservists share a common bond and unique experiences that often differ from the experiences of other students at their school or university. Some individuals may experience challenges adjusting to student life, relating to their fellow classmates and navigating benefits options. Many of the benefits, resources and services available to active-duty service members are available to National Guardsmen and reservists as well.

Source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class
Ryan G. Wilber/Released

Tue, 2011-11-15