Wesley Sanders

@wwp Gamers, much like veterans, can be great advocates for mental health treatment. Organizations like @wwp and @frostcallgaming offer a supportive gaming space for veterans, while also providing helpful information to encourage veterans to get the care they need. #WWPChat

Q10: How does gaming help #CombatStigma of seeking mental health treatment? #WWPChat

@wwp Check out this article for some things to keep tabs on. Overall, if gaming serves more to avoid what's important than to bring you towards what’s meaningful to you, this can be a sign it is getting in the way of your mental health. #WWPChat #CombatStigma frostcall.org/mentalhealthmo…

Q9: What are signs that gaming may not be helping with one’s mental health? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp PTSD is a disorder largely of avoidance, and tabletop games allows us to be fully present when playing. #WWPChat #CombatStigma 2/2

@wwp Tabletop gaming lets players assume an identity outside their own. It’s a great way to get out of your head, be a little vulnerable, and enjoy exploring new ideas with friends. #WWPChat #CombatStigma 1/2

Q8: Modern gaming is usually thought of as video games, but tabletop gaming is still popular. How is tabletop gaming used to help veterans to cope with PTSD? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp At @frostcallgaming we also provide resources and connections for veteran services and mental health information. #WWPChat #CombatStigma 2/2

@wwp Many veterans may be separated many miles from others they served with. Gaming can be a conduit to connection and a great space to advocate for mental health support. #WWPChat 1/2

Q7: How do virtual connections help fill a gap and make veteran resources more accessible? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp Gaming is a bonding force at a time when avoidance can be very strong. It's easier to talk about personal challenges when you can switch the subject if things become too difficult to talk about. Plus, games are fun! #WWPChat #CombatStigma

Q6: How can gaming help veterans cope with PTSD? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp @FrostCallGaming @Dan_Ruppert Hi everyone! In addition to my clinical work, I also support veterans and service members through @FrostCallGaming an organization committed to camaraderie and mental health support through gaming #wwpchat #combatstigma

Staying on will be @WesSandersPhd who also runs the non-profit @frostcallgaming and we’ll also have @dan_ruppert our alumni gaming team. Let’s give them a moment to introduce themselves. #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp One of the best ways to get a veteran into care is hearing from another veteran that has already done so. In this way, veterans can be great advocates to #CombatStigma. Check out this article for more info. frostcall.org/mentalhealthmo… #WWPChat

Q5: According to the WWP 2021 #AnnualWarriorSurvey, 2 in 3 warriors report feeling embarrassed in seeking mental health care. What can be done to get veterans to #CombatStigma of seeking mental health care? #WWPChat

@wwp At @homebaseprogram, veterans can expect a comprehensive PTSD treatment program with group therapy and sessions with an individual therapist. They won’t go through this alone; a cohort of fellow veterans will support one another during the two-week intensive program. #WWPChat

Q4: What is the WWP Warrior Care Network and what can a veteran expect during their treatment? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp A2: The National Center for PTSD is a great resource and offers a self-screen assessment. Consult with a mental health provider for a diagnostic assessment. ptsd.va.gov/screen/index.a… #WWPChat #CombatStigma

Q2: How do I know if I’m experiencing PTSD? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp @sheila_rauch @EmoryVeterans @KlassenPhd @Road_Home_Rush @UCLAOpMend Dr. Sanders here. I'm a Clinical Psychologist at the Home Base program and a USMC veteran. Glad to be here in the #WWPChat to help #CombatStigma

(2/2) @sheila_rauch from @emoryveterans @klassenphd from @road_home_rush and Dr. Walter Dunn from @UCLAOpMend. Let’s give them a chance to introduce themselves #WWPChat #CombatStigma

(1/2) Our special guests during the Warrior Care Network discussions are @efletcherpsyd, WWP Warrior Care Network Director, @WesSandersPHD from @homebaseprogram #WWPChat