Apr 1, 2022

DOD's suicide prevention initiative "Connect to Protect" not only perfectly rolls off the tongue but is also backed by science. Studies (including those by theNational Institute of Health and Stanford University) prove that strengthening social connections helps improve emotional wellbeing and physical health and decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. As a result, harmful behaviors such as self-harm, substance and alcohol abuse, and violence can be prevented.In the 2001 film Legally

Jan 27, 2022

We all can have bad days where we may choose to isolate, sulk, or even have a good cry. For some however, these days can turn into several days, weeks, or even months feeling as though a thundercloud is looming over our heads. This is when we often turn to comfort--people, animals, activities, and even food to perk our spirits and welcome some sunshine. But for some, it's hard to see the light and their cloud becomes bigger and darker. Self-harm, risky behaviors, and thoughts of suicide cloud

Dec 30, 2021

As 2022 begins, texts, emails, and social media feeds will be flooded with resolutions. "New year, new you" can actually be feasible and a lot easier to achieve by creating SMARTERgoals. Try this method to step up your resolution game.Specific- What exactly do you want to achieve? Is it to decrease your run time? Read more books? Set a specific number and goal.Measurable - Is there a way to measure your progress? Smartphone apps are available literally at your fingertips and old-fashioned

Nov 19, 2021

The holidays are a time to bethankful--for your family, friends, career, and your sobriety. But they can also put you around familiar people, places and things--all potential triggers that can make it tempting to steer away (even briefly) from thesober lifeyou've worked so hard to attain. Being mindful of your environment and taking a moment to HALT can keep you right on track.Are you?Hungry: Indulge in holiday treats you can only get this time of year, like your aunt's famous fudge. Not ea

Aug 20, 2021

Saying "no" doesn't make you a bad person. Sometimes we need to draw the line on what we do for others so we don't max out ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Establishing boundaries sets the expectation of what you are willing to do for others while still taking care of yourself. Even telling others you don't want to talk about a specific topic because it makes you uncomfortable is setting a boundary.The "just say yes" philosophy has been promoted by mental health pro

Jul 22, 2021

One tenth of a second. One inch. One slightly off centered shot out of one hundred. The difference between winning an Olympic medal and finishing out of the running is often minute, and yet often, spanning these margins remains unachievable for even the most talented athletes.Overcoming these differences requires more than increasing physical ability, it means honing mental skills too. Soldiers from the Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), such as Olympian Staff Sgt. Sandra Uptagrafft,

Jun 30, 2021

No one likes a label that could potentially hinder their overall quality of life, especially within their career and relationships.Alcohol and substance misuse have among some of the highest stigma today, with labels such as "alcoholic", "junkie", and "addict." Even individuals who seek treatment for mental health concerns become branded as "one of those people."According to the CDC, substance overdoses and suicide are the top two leading causes of death among Americans under 50

Jun 17, 2021

Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives. We use it to work, learn, connect with others, exercise, and ease the burden of daily chores and activities.Despite its benefits,and there are many, technology can also prevent us from being fully present in the moment and practicing mindfulness. Mindfulnessis the ability to fully experience the present moment, and more specifically, accept one's feelings and thoughts as a normal part ofour everyday experience.Many of us think w

Jun 9, 2021

"There is no joy without gratitude," saysBrene Brown. What if turning up the volume on our gratitude could make a positive impact on our daily environment and bring joy to others and ourselves? It can! It can! And it's all backed by science (see related).Expressing thankfulness, giving praise, and showing appreciation can often feel uncomfortable or difficult but those around us need to feel appreciated and we need to cherish all the good things we have. Dr. Gabe Paoletti from theUniform