Due to the numerous horrific and atrocious incidents witnessed by these soldiers, many of those with PTSD encounter side effects ranging from depression to mood swings to insomnia. Doctors and mental health professionals have done what they can to help, but large numbers of veterans still have trouble coping with the emotional and mental stress tied to their time in combat.
One such soldier is Brian Sullivan who served two terms in Afghanistan as an EOD Tech (explosive ordnance disposal technician). Sullivan’s battles with PTSD included fears of being in large crowds and problems sleeping. “I always had stuff going through my head. I wasn’t sleeping well, and when I was I would have nightmares,” he said.
For years, veterans have sought the help of doctors and psychologists to ease the pain associated with the traumas they have experienced. However, many have found little benefit in the use of medication and other therapies to take those burdens off their shoulders. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, some still need additional help.
That assistance for coping with these problems is available in the form of connected technology.
“Apps are impacting our lives far beyond what we could have ever imagined possible. I was very moved by Brian’s story, and I hope it can impart a powerful message to others as well,” says Peggy Smedley, editorial director, Connected World magazine. “As a society, we must open our eyes to the role technology can have in improving the mental health of everyone, should we choose to allow it.”
The June/July 2014 edition of Connected World magazine looks at several different mobile apps and other tech therapy used to help soldiers deal with the stress of returning from war. Smedley examines the features of these technologies, its uses by patients and physicians, and the benefits/risks associated with them.
In addition to helping out military veterans, these technologies could be useful for managing our own health, especially for children and seniors. According to Dr. Stephen Whiteside, director of the pediatric anxiety disorders program at the Mayo Clinic, “We have to find new and innovative ways to increase access to treatment. And I think mobile apps and Web-based treatments are certainly going to need to be a part of that answer.”
To learn more, pick-up the June/July 2014 issue of Connected World magazine. The issue will be available onMay 27, both in print or by downloading the Connected World app in the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Simply search for Connected World.
About Connected World Magazine
Connected World is the business and technology publication that provides the intelligence industry titans need and the guidance consumers crave. It’s all about M2M. www.connectedworldmag.com
