Blog posts with the tag "Service Members"

Staff Perspective: Parents of Service Members - Finding Ways to Connect with Others Who Walk in Similar Shoes

Although many service members have parents who are a key part of their support system, i.e., mothers and fathers who are very supportive of and strongly impacted by their son’s or daughter’s military service and life, resources and tools focused on their unique needs and concerns are challenging to find. Why are parents of service members often left out of the picture? One reason is that in most circumstances, these military-connected individuals do not qualify as military dependents as defined by the Department of Defense.

Staff Perspective: Recognizing the Experiences of Diverse Military Families - A Brief Introduction to Blue Star Families Racial Equity & Inclusion

Dr. Jenny Phillips

Blue Star Families (BSF), widely known for initiatives to better understand and support military families, recently launched an extensive diversity effort, the BSF Racial Equity & Inclusion (REI) Initiative. This post provides a brief introduction to one of the BSF REI’s first products, a study of the experiences of service members, Veterans, and families of color. Links to access additional information about the study and the larger BSF REI Initiative are provided.

Staff Perspective: The Importance of Screening for Sleep Disorders in Patients with a History of Traumatic Brain Injury

Since 2000 over 449,000 service members have had at least one documented TBI, of which approximately 82% are mild (Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, 2021). These injuries occur as part of mission-related activities while in-theater or during training exercises or as part of recreational activities. Many patients report experiencing headaches, memory and concentration issues, changes in mood, and increased irritability, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2021).

Staff Perspective: Military Couples Communication: Recommendations for Managing Expectations and Communication While Deployed

Dr. Jenny Phillips

Couples communication during deployments is an important part of relationship maintenance for military families. In recent decades, enhanced access and new mechanisms for deployed communication have brought benefits but also new concerns related to communication frequency and content for couples. This blog reviews recent research findings and resulting recommendations for couples navigating communication expectations, social media, and communication blackouts during deployments.

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