Student Tribune
Veterans and the Coronavirus
As a member of the Counseling Center, I am both a licensed mental health
counselor and an Army infantry Veteran. My colleagues and I watched in dread as
the COVID-19 Virus spreads across the United States and around the world. Being
a Veteran, having siblings and a spouse who are veterans, and at one time being
the administrator of Veterans' Services at Monroe Community College, I have a
special interest in veteran's health and safety.
MCC's Counseling Office maintains an excellent relationship with the
college's Veteran Services Office. If you are having academic difficulties or
have questions regarding your VA educational benefits please reach out to
Veteran's Services Director Eric Wheeler, a fellow veteran, or
Lori Bartkovich (292-2248) or veterans@monroecc.edu as they are glad
to assist with any questions you have. MCC's Veterans Services Office maintains
extensive relationships with the VA's VITAL Program, Veterans Outreach Center,
Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and a host of other community
agencies who may be able to assist you during these challenging times
As we know, currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection and
no medication(s) for treating it.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) believes symptoms appear 2 to 14 days
after exposure to the virus and therefore recommends we avoid exposure and
avoid exposing others to the disease with these simple steps:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy
way to mark the time is to hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end
twice while scrubbing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains
at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with
unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•
Stay home when you are ill or becoming sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze
with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean
and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu
shot.
• Learn to use VA Video Connect through the VA mobile app store or
by contacting your VA care team before any urgent problems arise.
Mental health tips
• Stay informed but limit your news intake. Too much
information and 24/7 news intake can be overwhelming and distressing
•
This virus has plunged the world into uncertainty and uncertainty can morph
into anxiety. Anxiety is the fear of being out of control. To help yourself
feel more in control ,set small goals to achieve. The feeling of achievement
can give you a feeling of control
• Exercise. Most of us know the many
physical benefits of exercise: weight control, lowers blood pressure, reduces
the risk of diabetes, and increases energy, just to name a few benefits.
Additionally, there are psycho-emotional benefits from exercising. It can help
ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. There's no shortage of mental health
benefits from exercise as simple as just taking a brisk walk.
• Take
mental health days from work-Your mind needs rest just as your body needs rest
to recuperate from activities
• "Keep in touch with fellow veterans and
assist them in navigating this new environment if they are having a hard time.
Teach them how to use VA Video Connect through the VA mobile app store as VA
increases virtual health and mental health appointment availability.
Military retirees covered under Tricare and veterans using VA care can
receive a free test for COVID-19 if they meet the following conditions:
• You live in an area with community spread of COVID-19
• You have
symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath
• You have traveled
to one of the affected areas (i.e., Italy, China or South Korea)
• You
have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
According to Tricare, COVID-19 testing is free for all beneficiaries. While
there will be no cost if a network or non-provider ordered the test, copays or
cost-sharing will still apply for the doctor's visit.
Both Tricare and the
VA are asking patients not to go directly to a medical center without calling
first.
VA patients will receive information on the next steps for testing
by downloading the VA's Telehealth app--VA Video Connect--or calling VA's nurse
advice line, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (202) 745-8000.
Veterans benefits and services, including payments, will continue to
veterans, families and survivors through the duration of the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic.
The VA is now encouraging all of its patients to receive care by phone or
video, instead of an in-person visit for non-emergency needs.
For additional information about how the VA is responding to the ongoing
pandemic, visit the department's coronavirus FAQs page.
As a Veteran, you have been uniquely trained in emergency response
situations. Your resilience and strength can assist others during these times.
Connection can also happen when you give back to your community by sharing your
expertise and support with family, friends, and neighbors through acts of
kindness and volunteer opportunities which will arise.
We in the Counseling Center and in Veteran's Services salute you and thank
you for your service and ask you to stay safe!
Veteran resource list:
https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/coronavirus-covid-19-resources-for-service-member
s-and-veterans/
*Mental health tips for Veterans during COVID-19:
https://www.michiganveterans.com/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=00Pt000000L8h
JKEAZ
*For veterans experiencing a crisis, help is available through
the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, and press 1, or text 838255, or chat
www.VeteransCrisisLine.net.
*List of VA mental health apps with a
focus on mindfulness, parenting, and managing PTSD-related symptoms and stress:
https://www.mobile.va.gov/appstore/mental-health
*Mental Health and
COVID-19 Information and Resources: https://mhanational.org/covid19
Watkins, E.
Counseling Center & Disability Services
05/11/2020