DOD launches after deployment web site

Subject: Military Health System launched a behavioral health Web portal



The Military Health System launched a behavioral health Web portal August 5, 2008. The Web site, http://www.afterdeployment.org/ (AD), is the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) response to a congressional mandate to develop a behavioral health Web portal focused on post-deployment problems.



More than 1.5 million troops have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. The DoD estimates that up to 15-20 percent of returning troops have problems after returning home. Irritability, depression, increased stress, and relationship difficulties are the typical concerns faced by service members and their families following a deployment.



Multiple reports have highlighted the need for Web-based behavioral health tools to reach the many service members who do not seek out face-to-face care. In addition to barriers to care, such as scheduling appointments or getting time off from work, or transportation costs, many service members fear the stigma that talking to a counselor will damage a career or be seen as a sign of weakness.



In recent months, DoD has taken steps to combat the stigma associated with obtaining necessary mental health treatment. In May 2008, DoD officials announced that applicants for government security clearances would not have to report mental health treatment for their combat- related injuries on their applications.



The Web site offers self-care tools for the entire military community 24/7 anywhere an internet connection is available. The materials can be used anonymously. Additionally, military leadership and health care providers can tap the site’s materials to learn about common problems and change strategies and to obtain useful contact information concerning local resources.



AD’s twelve programs focus on: Adjusting to War Memories; Dealing with Depression; Handling Stress; Improving Relationships; Succeeding at Work; Overcoming Anger; Sleeping Better; Controlling Alcohol and Drugs; Helping Kids Deal with Deployment; Seeking Spiritual Fitness; Living with Physical Injuries; and Balancing Your Life. Self- assessments provide tailored feedback and recommendations.



AD’s intended outreach includes active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The site offers particular advantages for National Guard and Reserve units, who may be distant from a Military Treatment Facility or otherwise located in areas lacking providers who are knowledgeable concerning military-related adjustment concerns.



In addition to AD’s initial public release on Aug. 5, 2008, the fully functional site is expected to be released late-September 2008. Phase

3 project development will commence in October 2008.

http://www.health.mil/Press/Release.aspx?ID=301

If you go onto the following links there are other links dealing with the subject. There are personal stories you can click on to listen. All in all, this is a pretty good tool to offer. You do not need to register to use this site and you do not have to allow cookies. That's even better. When I went to the first page, it looked as if you had to register but below where the site asks you to register, it says you can simply explore the site. This is also very helpful considering how many are worried about their careers.

GETTING HELP
Here you will find afterdeployment's twelve Programs. Each Program contains a self-assessment, fact sheets, an e-library, a quiz, interactive exercises, testimonials, and a narrator-guided self-help workshop. Click on any Program of interest.



Adjusting to War Memories

Dealing with Depression

Handling Stress



Improving Relationships

Succeeding at Work

Overcoming Anger



Sleeping Better

Controlling Alcohol and Drugs

Helping Kids Deal with Deployment



Seeking Spiritual Fitness

Living with Physical Injuries

Balancing Your Life