FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- With a series of DVDs titled "This Emotional Life" being shown at Brooke Army Medical Center, one psychiatric clinical nurse specialist is looking to provide an opportunity for BAMC staff to learn about the science and real lives being impacted by emotions.
The series was originally shown on PBS television stations earlier this year and Sandy Fitzgerald from the Provider Resilience Program feels it might change impressions or open some eyes for the viewers at BAMC.
" Even if an individual walks away with one 'a-ha' moment, it's worth the effort," Fitzgerald said. "For some, it will be new information; for others it will be validation of what they already know."
The three-part series explores improving social relationships, learning to cope with depression and anxiety, and becoming more positive, resilient individuals.
The series is hosted by Daniel Gilbert, a Harvard psychologist and author of "Stumbling on Happiness." Gilbert talks with experts about the latest science on what makes people "tick" and how to find support for the emotional issues all people face.
"Our emotions play a huge part in our ability to be resilient," Fitzgerald said. "This is just one of many ways that staff can learn about the latest science of the mind and its influence on our health and well-being."
Each episode brings together the personal stories of ordinary people and the latest scientific research along with comments from celebrities like Chevy Chase, Larry David, Alanis Morissette, Robert Kennedy Jr., and Richard Gere.
The therapeutic techniques discussed in the video, including cognitive behavior therapy and prolonged exposure therapy are currently in use by providers at BAMC, Fitzgerald said.
One part of the DVD focuses on Bob, a veteran of the Iraq War, who explains the toll his experience with post-traumatic stress disorder has taken on his life. He relates that it caused him to lose his job and affects his relationship with his family.
"The therapeutic methods discussed in the DVDs are an adjunct to medications," Fitzgerald said. "They do not take the place of medication as one or both may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome. In several of the conditions discussed in the video, they talked about medications. Often times, medication alone is not enough."
The entire series will be shown from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.in the orthopedic conference room on the first floor of BAMC Sept. 26, while only Part 2 will be shown at 10:45 a.m. and noon the same day. For more information, call 916-4049.
"I am always happy to arrange additional showings to interested groups or to lend the DVD's so that others can view it," Fitzgerald added. "Several of the previous series DVD's are currently showing on the BAMC TV channels 40 and 41."
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