What’s New
WAR IN UKRAINE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Exposure to war causes a wide range of harmful mental health effects. Those living in Ukraine, refugees who are displaced, family and friends of Ukrainian citizens, as well as communities watching around the world may experience responses such as anger, fear, trouble with sleep, increased use of substances, and others. Reactions in children can be similar but may also include reverting to earlier childhood behaviors, isolation, aggression, and diminished school performance. Identifying these responses and providing early interventions can lower distress, enhance well-being, and improve the ability to care for ourselves and our families.
УКРАЇНСЬКА Po polsku русский 日本語
Please click HERE for resources
Hurricane Ian Disaster Resources to Support Community Recovery
Catastrophic natural disasters, such as Hurricane Ian in Florida, cause extreme disruption and distress for communities. Response and recovery can be complicated in communities still recovering from other disasters, including previous extreme weather events and the global COVID-19 pandemic (resources can be found here). Below are brief and easy-to-read education fact sheets with recommended actions to protect the mental health and well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations during Hurricane Ian.
Please click HERE for resources
Suicide Prevention Program Site
Our Suicide Prevention Program site is live! The Center was entrusted to develop a Suicide Prevention Program to raise awareness of suicide as a public health problem and promote the mental health and well-being of Service members and beyond. The focus of the Program is to shape and support efforts across military and non-military populations to reduce suicidal behaviors and promote protective environments.
Army STARRS: Volume 6, Issue 1, Updated September 6, 2022
This document is an ongoing continuous summary of Army STARRS and STARRS-LS publications. STARRS/STARRS LS (2009 - present) is the largest and most comprehensive research project of mental health among U.S. Army Soldiers ever conducted. The project was designed to examine a broad range of risk and resilience (protective) factors across a complex set of outcomes including suicidal behaviors and associated mental health issues. Army STARRS scientists created a series of large and extensive databases with the potential to achieve groundbreaking results. These databases allow scientists to investigate a diverse combination of factors from demographic, psychological, biological, neurological, behavioral, and social domains with the goal of generating actionable findings for the Army. The project was designed using an adaptive approach which means it evolved as new information became available over the course of the project. The research team shared preliminary findings, as they became available, with senior Army leadership so the Army could apply them to its ongoing health promotion, risk reduction, and suicide prevention efforts. The work is continuing under the STARRS Longitudinal Study (STARRS-LS) which runs from 2015 to 2025.
CSTS Doctoral Graduate Student Fellow awarded NRSA (F31) Grant
CSTS Doctoral Graduate Student Fellow Matthew Thompson received a National Research Service Award (NRSA/F31) from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for his research project, entitled "Examining Suicide Risk from a Biopsychosocial Framework: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study." This award will further support his dissertation research, which broadly aims to investigate the combined associations of brain structure and connectivity, genetic, and psychosocial risk indicators for suicide using large-scale biomedical data. His work is supported by his Co-Mentors, Dr. Marjan Holloway and Dr. Joshua Gray, collaborators within CSTS, and consultants at Emory University and Florida State University. Foundational research that was important to the development of Matt’s award application can be found in a preprint on bioRxiv.
More information on the CSTS Doctoral Graduate Student Fellowship can be found HERE.
CSTS 2021 Annual Report
Immediately available for viewing is the 2021 CSTS Annual Report. In this comprehensive report, you can read summaries of the Center's work in responding to the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as our continuing work in both military and civilian populations to enhance psychological health, speed the recovery from, and help prevent the negative consequences of trauma on individuals, families, communities, and the nation.
Highland Park Parade Shootings Resources to Support Community Recovery
Acts of mass violence, such as the shootings at the parade in Highland Park, Illinois cause extreme disruption within communities. Victims, family, friends, first responders and emergency personnel, as well as community leaders are among those affected. Ongoing and graphic media exposure, broaden the disaster “community” far beyond the geographic region of the event. Caring for the mental health needs of communities and promoting resilience and recovery requires prompt interventions that educate people on common responses to trauma, provides guidance on actions to foster individual and family well-being, and ensures resources are available when distress persists, or other symptoms emerge. Please click HERE for resources
Supporting Military-Connected LGBTQ+ Youth: Tips for Helping Professionals
Robb Elementary School Shootings Response and Recovery Resources
Acts of mass violence, such as the shootings at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas cause extreme disruption within communities. Acts of violence against children are particularly distressing, and their occurrence at locations often thought of as safe havens, such as schools, undermine feelings of safety. Victims, family, friends, first responders, emergency personnel, community leaders are among those affected. Caring for the mental health needs of communities and promoting resilience and recovery requires prompt interventions by educating people on common responses to trauma and the ways this may look different in children, providing guidance on actions to foster individual and family well-being, and ensuring access to timely resources and care when distress persists or other symptoms emerge. Please click HERE for resources
Buffalo Supermarket Shootings Response and Recovery Resources
Acts of mass violence, such as the shootings at the supermarket in Buffalo, New York cause extreme disruption within communities. Victims, family, friends, first responders and emergency personnel, as well as community leaders are among those affected. The racially motivated nature of the event may serve to further divisions and requires thoughtful consideration to foster community recovery. Ongoing and graphic media exposure, as well as the perpetrator’s live streaming of the shooting, broaden the disaster “community” far beyond the geographic region of the event. Please click HERE for resources
16th Annual Amygdala, Stress, and PTSD Conference: Cells, Circuits, Sensors, and Stress
The 16th Annual Amygdala, Stress, and PTSD Conference occurred on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. The Amygdala, Stress, and PTSD Conference at the Uniformed Services University brings together scientists and clinicians working toward solving the biological basis of stress, fear, and posttraumatic stress disorder. View recordings of the presentations here.
Congratulations to the poster winners!
Medical IDs on Our Smartphones
Medical emergencies can occur unexpectedly and leave us unable to communicate important information, such as medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts. There is a simple and safe way to keep information
handy so that good samaritans and responders can help.
Click HERE to see how to add to your smartphone or print out a cut out for your wallet or purse
“Textbook of Disaster Psychiatry 2nd Edition” is now available in Japanese
We are pleased to announce that “Textbook of Disaster Psychiatry 2nd Edition,” edited by the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Director Dr. Robert J. Ursano and Science Director Dr. Carol S. Fullerton along with Dr. Lars Weisaeth and Dr. Beverley Raphael, was translated into Japanese and is now available in print.
Dr. Jun Shigemura took up the role of editing the Japanese version of this book. Dr. Shigemura was a former CSTS fellow (2003–2005) and is now a Professor for the Faculty of Health Sciences at Mejiro University in Saitama, Japan. He also wrote this book’s chapter “Nuclear disaster response” based on his team’s experience after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima nuclear disaster.
This book covers topics related to natural and human-made events such as terrorism, pandemics, media coverages, and risk communication. The Japanese professionals will now have a comprehensive review of the psycho-bio-social responses to disaster in their own language. We are delighted that our Center’s knowledge continues to expand to the people in Japan and the globe.
Click HERE for the English version
Click HERE for the Japanese version
“Textbook of Disaster Psychiatry 2nd Edition”日本語版が発売されました
当センターのロバートJ.ウルサノ理事長、キャロルS.フラートン研究所長らが編集した“Textbook of Disaster Psychiatry 2nd Edition”が日本語に翻訳され、販売が開始されました。
日本語版を監訳したのは重村淳先生です。重村先生は2003～2005年、当センターで研究員として働き、現在は目白大学保健医療学部（埼玉県さいたま市）で教授職を努めています。また重村先生は、2011年の東日本大震災・福島第一原子力発電所事故に対する経験を元に、本書籍の「Nuclear disaster response（原子力災害への対応）」も分担執筆しています。
本書はテロリズム、パンデミック、 メディア報道、リスク・コミュニケーションなど自然災害・人為災害に関連するテーマを含みます。日本の専門家たちは、災害への生物・心理・社会的反応に関する包括的な内容を、本書から日本語で学ぶことができます。当センターの知識が日本、そして世界中に広がり続けることは大きな喜びです。
COVID-19 Pandemic Response Resources
This PAGE contains fact sheets and other resources to support the health and well-being of communities impacted by COVID-19
No permission is needed to use or adapt these fact sheets for you or your organization. These fact sheets are in the public domain and you may use it freely as it is helpful to you.
Cambridge University Press has made available a collection of free access Coronavirus materials. Included is a free access chapter from the Textbook of Disaster Psychiatry, "Pandemics: Health Care Emergencies" that can be accessed HERE
Managing the Stress of Holiday Gatherings During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered society’s approach to social interactions and become a source of conflict for some families and communities around how to approach holiday gatherings. Considering what is most important to your family and planning in advance for how to address challenging situations can help lower stress and make gatherings more enjoyable.
2021 CSTS Doctoral Graduate Student Fellowships
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress is pleased to announce the recipients of the CSTS Doctoral Graduate Student Fellowship awards. This award is in support of a USUHS graduate student for innovative basic or clinical research studies leading to a PhD degree while addressing the primary mission of the CSTS, namely, to research the health consequences of trauma, disaster, and terrorism. This award provides two years of salary support while the doctoral student works on their doctoral studies. The 2021 CSTS Doctoral Graduate Student Fellowship award recipients are Haley Spencer and Matthew Thompson. click HERE for more information.
Managing Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season can be especially challenging for those who are bereaved. Memories of loved ones who have died will likely arise and can be painful reminders of the loss. As we enter the holiday season, here are a few tips for coping. [more]
Tornadoes Response and Recovery Resources
The tornadoes in the southern and central U.S were severe and wide-spanning, leading to billions of dollars in damages and claiming nearly a hundred lives across six states. The tornadoes also caused extreme disruption and distress for communities, adding to challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (resources can be found here). Below are brief and easy-to-read education fact sheets with recommended actions to protect the mental health and well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations following the tornadoes. [more]
Dr. David Scharf is a recipient of the 2021 Sigourney Award
David Scharf, MD, Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry, USU, is a recipient of the 2021 Sigourney Award. The Sigourney Award annually rewards outstanding work that advances psychoanalytic thought and practice with international recognition and a substantial cash prize. This year submissions from five continents were evaluated by a distinguished panel of independent judges.
Trauma and Resiliency in Military Families, with Dr. Stephen Cozza
Resources in Response to the Recent Terrorist Attack and Afghanistan Transition
In response to the recent terrorist attack in Kabul and to address those transitioning out of Afghanistan, our partners at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network have organized resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Resources are available HERE
MANAGING THE STRESS OF RETURNING TO WORK AFTER COVID-19: A GUIDE FOR SUPERVISORS
Although some workers look forward to face-to-face interactions with co-workers and supervisors, others are likely to feel reluctant.
LEADER SUPPORT FOR SERVICE MEMBERS WORKING DURING COVID-19
The PA-STAR pocket card provides action steps for leaders that enhance readiness for service members before, during, and after COVID-19 operations.
Please click HERE for all resources. Click HERE for the flyer.
Educators: Tell us about the Impact of COVID-19 on You
CSTS welcomes hearing from teachers about the challenges and strengths of home teaching and teleteaching during this time of the pandemic. Teachers and education are a part of our sustaining of our communities and hearing their needs can help us plan for the future. Emails can be sent to listeningtoeducators@
When Losses of Loved Ones Are Not Acknowledged - Understanding Disenfranchised Grief
Acknowledge the importance of the loss by offering sympathy, learning about, respecting, and participating in mourning rituals with the bereaved.
Resources for the U.S. Capitol Attack
The recent attack on the U.S. Capitol has evoked a range of emotions as well as upset our beliefs about safety in our country. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has developed resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Resources can be found at the below links:
Supporting Children After the U.S. Capitol Attack
Coping After Mass Violence
Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing
Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence
Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After a Parent or Caregiver Dies
Curriculum Recommendations for Disaster Health Professionals: Disaster Behavioral Health
Interactive, Mobile Website to Aid Healthcare Providers in Notifying Family Members of Unexpected Deaths
Healthcare providers receive little training on notifying family members of a loved one's unexpected death. The way this information is delivered can have a long-lasting impact on a family's health and well-being. CSTS has developed an interactive, mobile website to serve as a guide for healthcare providers who may find themselves in these situations. https://www.
DR. URSANO RECEIVES AMSUS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Dr. Robert Ursano, Director of CSTS, Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of the USU, was awarded the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS). The AMSUS Lifetime Achievement Award is for a distinguished career of excellence in development, invention, and innovation in healthcare that is recognized internationally and makes significant fundamental contributions of lasting impact to better health outcomes in federal healthcare. AMSUS was founded by Congress in 1903 and is the Society of Federal Health Professionals.
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