National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV) Participate in Give an Hour Virtual Training on December 17, 2022
On Saturday, December 17, 2022, the National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV) Constance A. Burns, president and chief executive officer and NAAV Board of Directors Roy L. Croom and Dr. Mary Roach were participants at the Give an Hour Virtual 2-hours Training provided to nine (9) participants on the subject titled “Emotional Life Skills and Suicide Prevention” including Questions and Answers during the virtual training. Lisa Lewis was the trainer. The trainer introduced emotional life skills and healthy habits emotional well being materials that covered the following topics such as:
. Five Signs of Emotional Suffering
. Healthy Habits of Emotional Well Being
. Emotional Wellness Plan
. Well Being Resources
. Helplines and Resources
Overall, mental and physical health are connected. Poor mental health can lead to chronic physical health conditions just as chronic conditions can lead to mental health challenges. Your body and your mind do not operate separately. The more you help your body the better you will feel. Paying attention to your health allows you to live your life to the fullest.
Healthy Habits of Emotional Wellbeing is very important to learn to keep one emotionally healthy. Some healthy habits of emotional well-being are as follows:
. Take care of you. Eat, sleep and be active.
. Check in and get checkups. Get check-ups for your physical health. Talk to
your doctor, dentist, counselor, and faith-based leader to be sure you are doing
well emotionally.
. Engage and connect wisely. Pay attention to your relationships. You cannot
be healthy if your relationships are not.
. Relax. Learn ways to reduce the stress that we all face and practice what works
for you. For example, meditation, prayer, exercise, knit, sing, write, etc.
. Know the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering. The Five Signs are change in
personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness.
Someone may exhibit one or more signs. Many conditions can result in
emotional pain. If you see them or someone you love, reach out, connect and
offer to help.
How To Find Care
Common places to find mental health providers are as follows:
. Ask your insurance company for a list of in-network providers or your
company’s employee assistance program (EAP)
. Ask trusted family or friends for recommendations
. Search nonprofit, government or mental health organization websites
that have lists of providers
. Contact local or national mental health organizations
. General internet search for “psychiatrist” or “therapist” in your city
. Consider consulting your physician. Some physical health issues may cause
symptoms like mental health illnesses. A physician can navigate this
concern.
If you, or someone you love, is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away.
Help Lines and Resources
. Find a mental health professional with our healthcare provider network
. Search for a therapist by asking your friends, family, or faith leader about
professionals they may know; ask your health care provider for a
recommendation or do an internet search using these key words:
therapist, counselor, social worker, psychologist.
. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
. Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741
. Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255); Veterans press 1
. National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-7233; TTY 1-800-787-3224.
For more information, visit www.giveanhour.org.
In conclusion, the next training will be titled “Veteran Yoga Project- An Introduction to Compassion Fatigue for Caregivers, First Responders, Spouses and Veterans.” This Virtual Training will be a seven (7) week course beginning Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST starting in March 2023 the date to be announced. For more information, contact Tiffy Daniel at email: td1808@aol.com.
By
Constance A. Burns
President and CEO
NAAV, Inc.