It is coming up on that time change time-of-year. Many look ahead to having to change the clocks with dread, while others may go about their days in blissful ignorance until a well-meaning coworker or friend sends a reminder. When the time comes, most people will experience at least some sleep disruption, feel moody or irritable, and some will be involved in a traffic accident or work mishap.
Considering a career as a military social worker can raise a lot of questions. It can also seem like the more you find out, the more questions you have. The career of a uniformed social worker comes with the expectation that you not only work with service members, but that you are a service member. This is different from someone who would work in private practice or with an organization that has scheduled hours and tasks, and typically stays in one location. It is different from only considering the best interests of your patient and performing social work duties. So how does someone learn what to expect?
$1.35 billion
The "estimated cost of obesity in active-duty service members," according to a study from the American Security Project ("a nonpartisan organization created to educate the American public and the world about the changing nature of national security in the 21st Century.") -- White Paper — Costs and Consequences: Obesity’s Compounding Impact on the Military Health System.
The weekly Research Update contains the latest news, journal articles, and useful links from around the web. Some of this week's topics include:
● Factors associated with mental healthcare utilization among United States military personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder or depression symptoms.
● Bright Light Therapy for Nonseasonal Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
● Transitioning into trauma-focused evidence-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder from other treatments: a qualitative investigation.
As Suicide Prevention month just wrapped up, I wanted to share an article I recently read focusing on the suicide risk for transitioning Service members. Data has shown that the period of transition from military service to civilian life is one of increased risk for Service members.