Dr. Elena Klaw

Events  Physical Rxns/Feelings  Thoughts  Behaviors o According to Hoge: o Combat experiences tend to reduce the time between stressful events and behavioral responses. Stressors may thus automatically lead to action. o Warriors may have “hair-trigger reactions” to stressful cues which can lead vets to act in ways they later regret. o The alternative is learning to pay attention to the feelings and/or thoughts that mediate the event and the response.

 We all have feelings that fluctuate constantly, and may even conflict!  What are you feeling right now ?  What are you afraid of ? With a Partner:  What thoughts do you have that get you stuck? Should have/could have/would have…  How can you challenge these thoughts?  Why is it hard to change?

 Goal is to get space between our automatic feelings/physical reactions and our behaviors  Focused Breathing – where do you get stuck?  Focused Meditation - focus your mind on something  Open Awareness Meditation observing or witnessing whatever is happening present moment.

 Goal is to reduce isolation  Discuss: Identify communities and activities in one’s own life that provide meaning, connection, and structure.  For vets, apply for service connected disability compensation rating by filing an application with the VA Benefits Administration (VBA) that includes discharge papers (DD214), info on injuries, MD statement, and stressor statement as to how injuries occurred in military service.

 What questions should you NOT ask?  What questions might be helpful?  What kinds of accommodations in school or work might be helpful?  What kinds of support or activities might be helpful for significant others of vets?