Veterans Pandemic Stress Management Tips
Veteran VA Resources
• Veteran and Military PTSD Addiction Rehab Treatment Resources
• Veteran and Military PTSD COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance Resources
• Military PTSD Addiction Recovery Center
• Mental Toughness Tips • The Power of Mindfulness • 4 Ways to Create Mindfulness
• How to Remain Hopeful Tips • Short Video and Exercise to Increase Hopefulness
• Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain • Be Alert to Signs of Distress
• VA: COVID-19 Pandemic Tips for Reducing Stress • Get Immediate Help in a Crisis
Pandemic Mental Toughness and Resilience
In these times of COVID-19 and ‘stay at home‘ restrictions – common reactions are stress and worry. These are difficult times.
There are things that can be done to change personal experience of the coronavirus pandemic. While fear, stress and panic are the first reactions to new, dangerous and stressful situations – they are not the only possible reactions.
Psychological resilience is the process of coping with situations involving adversity or stress. It has been defined as the ability to “bounce back” from negative events without falling into despair. And it is possible to develop and strengthen resilience and emotional stability.
For those in addiction recovery – it is critical to maintain emotional stability, sobriety and avoid relapse.
See Military Veteran PTSD Treatment Resources Northern California
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
― Man’s Search for Meaning
Mental Toughness Tips
The brain is the strongest muscle in the body.
Navy SEALS, Olympic athletes and others use mental techniques, visualization and mindfulness to stay positive and achieve goals.
Below are some techniques that Navy SEALs use to be the best and to increase mental toughness. Mental preparedness is critical for surviving and enduring difficult situations.
- Talk Positively To Yourself: Remember the 3 P’s:
Bad things are Not Permanent, Not Pervasive and Not Personal. - Set Goals: Know what you want to achieve. Write it down. It could be as simple as eating less junk food snacks. Focus on progress.
- Practice Visualization: Do not just fantasize about getting what you want: See yourself overcoming specific obstacles.
- Create a Mental Trigger: This visualization must be strong. And it can be aspirational – such as thinking that nothing is going to stop the reaching of your goal.
- If You Notice Hopeless or Despair Setting In. . . Pull that trigger!
Need Help? We are here for you.Call 866-303-6275 for confidential questions and assistance.
Same Day Detox and Rehab Admissions
VA Community Care Provider PTSD and Addiction
The Power of Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps individuals to be present in the current moment.
At New Start Recovery Solutions, Mindfulness and Conscious Recovery are important elements in our whole person veteran PTSD dual diagnosis addiction recovery and relapse prevention programs.
Also See:
Northern California Mindfulness Meditation and Addiction Recovery
Bay Area Veteran Substance Abuse and PTSD Integrated Treatment
Video: 3:36 minutes
4 Ways to Create Mindfulness
Beginning to worry in stressful situations is common for most individuals. Without realizing it, we can drift off into a quicksand of thoughts, memories and worst case scenarios.
Mindfulness brings us back into the current moment. Mindful awareness takes us away from over-thinking and building scenarios of doom.
The VA Whole Health web page has more information and videos.
Also see the VA Live Whole Health Blog
Need Help? We are here for you.Call 866-303-6275 for confidential questions and assistance.
Same Day Detox and Rehab Admissions
VA Community Care Provider PTSD and Addiction
How to Remain Hopeful Tips
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has the potential to increase stress and anxiety for those with PTSD.
From VA National Center for PTSD:
Managing Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak
- Consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective.
- Look for opportunities to practice being more patient or kind with yourself, or to see the situation as an opportunity to learn or build strengths.
- Celebrate successes, find things to be grateful about, and take satisfaction in completing tasks, even small ones.
- Give yourself small breaks from the stress of the situation by doing something you enjoy.
- Draw upon your spirituality, those who inspire you, or your personal beliefs and values.
- Also see East Bay Addiction Rehab COVID-19 Mindfulness Stress Relief
Need Help? We are here for you.Call 866-303-6275 for confidential questions and assistance.
Same Day Detox and Rehab Admissions
VA Community Care Provider PTSD and Addiction
Video: 1:35 minutes
Short Exercise to Increase Hopefulness
Gustavo Perez, PhD, University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and suggests an easy exercise to help with anxiety.
The 3 x 3 Gratitude Exercise
Spend 3 minutes per day being grateful for 3 things.
This short exercise has been proven to help people feel less anxious and more hopeful.
Step 1 – Take 3 Conscious Breaths
Step 2 – Think of 3 Things for which to be Grateful
Step 3 – Take 3 Conscious Breaths
Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain
From The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley
How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain
1. Gratitude unshackles us from toxic emotions
2. Gratitude helps even if you don’t share it
3. Gratitude’s benefits take time
4. Gratitude has lasting effects on the brain
Need Help? We are here for you.Call 866-303-6275 for confidential questions and assistance.
Same Day Detox and Rehab Admissions
VA Community Care Provider PTSD and Addiction
Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com/g/Roman+Samborskyi
Be Alert for These Common Signs of Distress
CDC, Self Care
- Feelings of feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
- Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
- https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/pdf/Coping_with_Disaster_2.pdf
If you experience these feelings or behaviors for several days in a row and are unable to carry out normal responsibilities because of them, seek professional help.
Need Help? We are here for you.Call 866-303-6275 for confidential questions and assistance.
Same Day Detox and Rehab Admissions
VA Community Care Provider PTSD and Addiction
Video: 2:33 minutes
VA: Tips for Reducing Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Many experience increased stress during this pandemic.
Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
• Stay Connected
• Cultivate Calmness
• Improve Sense of Control
• Remain Hopeful
Also see Managing Stress and Anxiety from the CDC Centers for Disease Control
Get Immediate Help in a Crisis
- Call 911
- Disaster Distress Helpline: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
- The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructions
- Veterans Crisis Line – The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders.
Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255, or chat online to receive confidential crisis intervention and support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. - VA Suicide Prevention Page – This website provides information on suicide risk and prevention and links to VA and external sources of support for Veterans and their families in need of mental health support. Download the household safety risks brochure for more information on the safe storage of firearms and medication in your home.
Veteran and Military PTSD Addiction Rehab Treatment Resources
How to Sign Up for VA Services | VA Community Care Provider
VA Community Care Process | N California VA Medical Centers
VA PTSD Resources | N California VA Services
Women Veteran Resources N California | What are PTSD Symptoms?
Veteran PTSD Dual Diagnosis Treatment | How I Knew I Had PTSD
N California Veteran Dual Diagnosis PTSD and Addiction Treatment
Veteran and Military PTSD COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance Resources
- VA National Center for PTSD: Managing Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak
- VA: How To Manage Stress and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- VA: Coronavirus Resources
- VA Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans Need to Know
- VA Mental Health Index: Are You a Veteran Looking for Support?
- VA Resources: Annie text message program guides Veterans during COVID-19 pandemic
- VA Resources: Connected Care VA: Annie Text Message Program Protocol
- VA Mobile Apps: Mental Health
- MilitaryOneSource.mil – Comprehensive FAQs Page
- MilitaryOneSource.mil – Top 10 Ways to Practice Resilience Skills During Challenging Times
- Coronavirus: DOD Response
Veteran and Military Residential
PTSD Dual Diagnosis Rehab Addiction Treatment
We Accept Most Insurance
A Military Addiction Recovery Center
In-network with TriWest
We will continue to serve our community safely. Please be assured that we are here to assist as we navigate through this challenging time!
The health and safety of our community has been, and remains, our greatest focus.
Please don’t hesitate to contact New Start Recovery Solutions Admissions department if we can be of any assistance.
• New Patients are medically pre-screened and tested for coronavirus.
• Our facilities are sanitized daily; existing patients are closely monitored and tested.
• Medical staff on duty 24/7.
• No one with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms is admitted.
• Each patient is evaluated by New Start Recovery Solutions staff and receives a biopsychosocial assessment; and an individualized treatment plan.
• Veteran PTSD and Substance Abuse Rehabs Northern California
• We use Mindfulness for Relapse Prevention and other whole person evidence-based therapies; including CBT, DBT, EMDR, Brainspotting, Conscious Recovery, yoga, tai chi and more.
• If you or your loved one is located in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Bay Area, San Rafael, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Davis, Roseville, Chico, Paradise, Redding, Martinez or other Northern California area – and are dealing with a drug abuse or an alcohol use disorder – welcome to evidence-based whole person addiction treatment at New Start Recovery Solutions.
• Coming Soon to Sacramento!
Please call our Admissions for more information, or feel welcome to Contact Us.
We thank all the essential workers that continue to assist in these times!
We recognize the importance of continuing to serve our clients.
We Accept Most Insurance
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In-network with TriWest
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