Podcast addresses post-deployment stress

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Servicemembers and their families can get help coping with post-deployment stress through a new series of podcasts profiling the personal stories of those who have lived it.

“Combat brings individuals face-to-face with the harshest demands imaginable. In fact, it’s impossible to be unaffected by these experiences. Stress reactions, family and relationship difficulties, and work conflicts can affect an individual’s emotional well being.”

These words set the stage for the premiere episode of “There and Back,” an audio podcast series created by Web managers for afterdeployment.org, a Defense Department Web site developed by experts at the National Center for Telehealth and Technology and the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

The podcast series is directed to the entire military community to help manage some of the challenges faced by servicemembers and their families following a deployment, defense officials said.

“Learning About Depression,” the initial ten minute podcast in the “There and Back” series is a tapestry woven of education, encouragement and emotional intimacy.

The podcast is punctuated by servicemembers and their families telling their personal stories, allowing listeners to know that they are not alone in their struggles.

You can listen to “There and Back: Learning about Depression,” or visit the Podcasts section of the DCoE Web site.

To receive future episodes of “There and Back,” subscribe free at iTunes.com. Upcoming episodes will discuss post-traumatic stress, anger management, sleep problems, and relationship issues.