First of all, Burt and I would like to thank every veteran for his or her service to our country. We wanted to do something to highlight some resources available to veterans, so I spent some time looking at different apps available in the App Store. There are a few free apps available that do things like help manage PTSD, help track medical conditions and symptoms for VA benefits and resources to locate employment opportunities. Some states (such as California and Ohio) offer apps that contain state-specific information for veterans. Here are a few to check out:
PTSD Coach
PTSD Coach by Department of Veterans Affairs
PTSD Coach is a very complex app that offers a lot to help manage symptoms of PTSD. The app is organized in four sections to educate, assess, manage symptoms and find support. Each section offers valuable resources and exercises. The section to manage symptoms asks you to pick a symptom you are experiencing and then rate the distress level. From there, it provides you with some exercises to try that will help alleviate your symptoms. There is even an audio portion (just make sure your volume is on) that walks you though breathing and stress-relief exercises. You can take and track assessments to measure your progress. And there are contacts available to call if you need extra support.
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- PTSD Coach symptoms screen
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- Main PTSD Coach screen
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- PTSD Coach exercise
Verizon Wireless Hiring our Heroes
Hiring our Heroes by Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless developed an app for military veterans and their spouses to locate employment opportunities. The app provides resources like a resume builder, information about upcoming career fairs, workshops, interviewing tips and information about mentorship programs.
Veteran’s Log symptom screen
Veteran’s Log
Veteran’s Log is a simple app to help you track military-service-related medical conditions. You can add specific conditions and then add entries that include the date, notes, pain severity and anything that might be triggering it. The summary tab totals the number of instances of the symptoms, which you can e-mail to yourself or a health care provider.
Happy Veterans Day and thank you again to those who served!
