PTSD Bytes

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! 

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 ===============================

In this episode, we explore PTSD resources available for active duty and reserve component service members. Dr Greg Reger, psychologist and Guard member, explains the unique challenges each group faces when  seeking treatment for PTSD. He also discusses free digital tools and how they can be used for self-care or incorporated into treatment.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP36.pdf ===============================

In this second episode of a two-part series, Lisa-Ann Cuccurullo addresses more myths about PTSD, its symptoms, and whether it can be treated. She also describes how you can work together with a mental health provider as your partner to choose a treatment that works best for you.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP35.pdf ===============================

There are many common myths about what causes PTSD and what recovery looks like. In the first episode of a two-part series, Dr. Kelly Maieritsch debunks some of these misconceptions and recommends a resource to better understand the experiences of people living with PTSD.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP34.pdf ===============================

Suicide is a major public health problem. Dr. Greg Brown discusses risk factors for suicide, such as PTSD, and how a safety plan can help people manage a suicidal crisis. Learn tips for making a safety plan and things to consider for keeping your plan on paper or in the Safety Plan mobile app. Find out how to talk to your loved ones if they are having thoughts of suicide. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP33.pdf ===============================

Social media has both benefits and drawbacks. In this episode, Dr. Price discusses the relationship between social media use and mental health, particularly PTSD. He will offer tips on how to balance your social media and device use to best support your mental health.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP32.pdf ===============================

Natural disasters and mass violence affect individuals, first responders, and whole communities. Dr. Patricia Watson discusses common reactions to these types of events. Learn how to take care of your mental health and how to support others in the days, weeks, and months after. Explore digital tools that can help you manage symptoms of PTSD or depression, and learn when to consider professional help.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP31.pdf ===============================

LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk of trauma and discrimination because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. In this episode, Dr. Eve Rosenfeld talks about the impact of trauma on the LGBTQ+ community and shares mental health resources including digital toolsClosed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP30.pdf ===============================

With so many mental health apps available, finding one that works for you can be a challenge. In this episode, Dr. John Torous discusses the benefits of using mental health apps and the tools for findings apps that meet your needs, protect your data, and are backed by research. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP29.pdf ===============================

Attending mental health appointments via video can be a convenient way to receive care without needing to travel or leave your home. Dr. Cindy Woolverton discusses the benefits of video mental health care and offers tips on getting started. Learn about the different resources available to help you find a provider and get comfortable using video technology.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP28.pdf ===============================

Problems and stress are a normal part of life, but sometimes they can feel overwhelming. Dr. Shannon Sisco discusses how Problem-Solving Therapy can help you learn to solve big and small problems in your life and teach you how to cope with the stress that comes with them. Learn about Moving Forward, a web-based course that can be done on your own or to support Problem-Solving Therapy.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP27.pdf ===============================

Everyone responds to racism differently, and reactions can include anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. Dr. Brittany Hall-Clark discusses racial stress and trauma and shares how to heal from trauma while living in a world where racism still exists. Learn about different types of treatment for race-based stress, and tools to empower you to cope.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP26.pdf ===============================

Learn about Spanish-language resources for PTSD in this special, bilingual podcast episode. Cybele Merrick describes how you can learn more about PTSD on the National Center for PTSD's website, tips for seeking treatment or trying an app like PTSD Coach or COVID Coach in Spanish. In the second half of the episode, Maria Lebron Quintana describes this information in Spanish. En este episodio especial de nuestro podcast bilingüe aprenderás recursos en español para el PTSD. Cybele Merrick describe cómo puedes aprender más sobre el PTSD en el sitio web de National Center PTSD (por sus siglas en inglés), consejos sobre cómo buscar tratamiento o intentar acceder a una aplicación como PTSD Coach o COVID Coach en español. En la segunda mitad del episodio, María Lebron Quintana describe esta información en español.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP25.pdf ===============================

Older adults (age 65 and over) experience unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Dr. Christine Gould explains how technology can make it easier. Discover how apps like PTSD Coach and Mindfulness Coach can help, and where to find resources for older adults who would like support for learning this technology.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP24.pdf ===============================

If you have PTSD and try not to think about the trauma or go places that remind you of it – that is avoidance. Dr. Sadie Larsen explains why people with PTSD avoid, how to recognize it, and how avoidance can interfere with recovery. Learn about different types of therapy and tools in the PTSD Coach app that can help with PTSD and avoidance.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP23.pdf ===============================

Many Veterans with PTSD may not recognize or talk about their symptoms, let alone know how to find the right treatment. Dr. Jessica Hamblen tells us about the AboutFace website, where you can watch videos of real Veterans talking about their experiences with PTSD and how treatment helped them. www.ptsd.va.gov/aboutface

Parenting may be challenging, even more so if you have PTSD. Dr. Shelley Fenstermacher describes how you can talk to your kids at any age about PTSD. Get support from the many free parenting resources offered by VA, such as the online course “Parenting for Veterans.”

People with PTSD are more likely to use tobacco, even though tobacco use negatively impacts health. In this episode, Dr. Ellen Herbst explains nicotine dependence and debunks the myth that quitting will make PTSD symptoms worse. Find out ways to get support to quit or cut back on tobacco use, such as the Stay Quit Coach mobile app.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/PTSDBytes_EP20.pdf===============================

After a trauma, you might find it harder to do the things that give your life meaning, such as work or relationships. Dr. Robyn Walser talks about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the mobile app ACT Coach may help you not just feel better, but live a more meaningful life.

If you've experienced trauma, you may struggle with managing your emotions and relationships. Dr. Marylene Cloitre and Dr. Annabel Prins describe how STAIR therapy can help build up these skills, and available digital resources for support.

PTSD impacts both partners in a couple. Dr. Leslie Morland and Dr. Kayla Knopp describe common ways PTSD shows up in intimate relationships and how couples can get help, including using mobile apps and online programs.

Anger can be a symptom of PTSD. If anger is interfering with your work or relationships, Dr. Margaret-Anne Mackintosh describes treatment options and tools you can use on your own, such as the AIMS for Anger Management mobile app and online program.

People with PTSD may use alcohol to cope, but that can cause more problems long-term. Drs. Monica Roy and Marika Solhan explain how to recognize if your alcohol use is problematic. If you are struggling with both PTSD and alcohol use, tune in to find out about treatment options and the VetChange mobile app.

Military sexual trauma is any unwanted sexual experience that happens during someone's military service. Dr. Amy Street talks to us about common reactions like self-blame, and reassures survivors that it is never your fault and you are not alone. Learn how the app “Beyond MST” can help with your recovery journey.

Sleep problems and PTSD can get better with treatment. Dr. Elissa McCarthy explains how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) can help. Tune in to learn about CBT-I and the Insomnia Coach mobile app.

We discuss what mindfulness is and how it can be helpful for PTSD recovery with psychologist and Veteran, Dr. Timothy J. Avery. We also learn how the mobile app, “Mindfulness Coach” can be used to practice mindfulness.

Find out what resources are available to family members and friends who care about someone with PTSD. Dr. Steven Sayers offers guidance to support your loved one, as well as resources for self-care. Visit www.ptsd.va.gov for more information.

Learn how to know if you or someone you care about is in crisis. Dr. Lisa Brenner describes crisis resources that can help. Visit www.ptsd.va.gov for more information.

Dr. Debra Kaysen explains what trauma is and how it relates to PTSD. Learn about common misconceptions about trauma, and resources that can help. Visit www.ptsd.va.gov for more information.

In the 5th episode of our PTSD treatments series, we learn about EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Marianne Silva describes what EMDR is and how it can help with PTSD. Visit www.ptsd.va.gov for more information.

In the 4th episode of our PTSD treatments series, we discuss medications for PTSD with Dr. Paul Holtzheimer. Learn who to talk to, what questions to ask, and what you can expect from these medications. www.ptsd.va.gov for more information.

In the 3rd episode of our mini-series on PTSD treatments, Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman talks to us about Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and the mobile app “CPT Coach.”

In this 2nd episode of our mini-series on PTSD treatments, Dr. Carmen McLean talks about Prolonged Exposure (PE), and how the mobile app “PE Coach” can help with treatment.