Pentagon Deploys Apps to Calm Troops, Worth a Look for Stressed Out Civilians

Going to war and coming home from war are incredibly stressful events. The Pentagon knows that PTSD and other stress-related disorders are a major obstacle for soldiers returning to civilian life. Now, soldiers have another tool to help deal with stress and PTSD. Unlike a therapist, this tool is always with them. These tools are familiar to young soldiers because they run right on the iPhone, Android and iPad devices. And although these DoD funded apps were initially met with skepticism, soldiers are now embracing digital health tools.

These apps are available free of charge in the Android Market and Apple App Store for anyone to download and use. While your job may not be as stressful as combat, these apps can help you deal with stress or learn more about what soldiers and veterans are dealing with.

https://youtu.be/JefAOKKW1sw

Apps Help Soldiers and Veterans

PTSD and other “invisible wounds” can be difficult to manage, and also to recognize the signs of. These apps aren’t replacing therapy, counseling and diagnosis of PTSD and other stress related issues. Instead, these apps are an easy way for the users to learn about stress and how to manage stress and PTSD.

Staff Sgt. Meg Krause told the Associated Press that the app is, “immensely important,” because it allows soldiers and veterans to grab their phone and get help right when they need it. By going for the immediate help, such as breathing techniques, users can calm down and avoid a, “crisis moment.”

Stress Relief and PTSD Apps

• Breathe2Relax iPhone and iPad
• PTSD Coach – iPhone
• T2 Mood Tracker – Android

Also Great for Stressed Out Civilians

These smartphone apps aren’t just helpful for soldiers, though: stressed out civilians can benefit from the techniques and exercises that these apps bring to your phone.

If you are in need of an app that can help you learn about stress and deal with stress in a healthy fashion, these apps are available free of charge in their respective app stores.

Breathe2Relax looks like the most promising. The National Center for Telehealth & Technology provides the following description of the app:

Breathing exercises have been documented to decrease the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ (stress) response, and help with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management.

If you find yourself stressed out, especially to the point of losing control or causing physical harm, these apps aren’t a total solution, but they may be able to help you dial things down a notch, especially while away from a trained medical professional.