Paige LeClairA new app has been created to help veterans during their transition home and their journey working through barriers that they may face when working on their own mental health.
Inspired by National Geographic’s drama “The Long Road Home”, Bravo Tango Brain Training is the first voice-activated meditation app designed specifically for veterans.
“We were so inspired by the real-life stories which The Long Road Home series was based on, and we wanted to expand our support with something tangible, useful and needed for the veteran community,” says Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Global Networks. “As we began to explore the veteran support space with 360i, it became apparent that many of the current wellness app options for veterans do not address their specific needs. Technological advances often leave veterans behind, and we hope we can do some good by providing this simple, but powerful technology.”
The app will guide users through exercises based on how they are feeling. According to its press release, Bravo Tango recognized 40 moods, including anger, loneliness, anxiety, disappointment, regret, sadness, fatigue, fear and insomnia. Exercises range from breathing, and focus, to grounding and visualization, even interpersonal connection and muscle relaxation.
Developed in partnership with former Air Force Psychologist and combat veteran Dr Michael Valdovinos, Bravo Tango Brain Training app gives veterans easy access to one of the most effective methods for reducing stress and maintaining healthy coping practices—meditation and mindfulness.
“Many veterans are hesitant to try meditation and mindfulness because of societal stereotypes it carries in our community. In my practice, however, I’ve found meditation, mindfulness and voice therapy to be highly effective in reducing stress, refining focus and raising optimism. Bravo Tango Brain Training is a bridge to seeking help and brings a unique approach directly to the veteran community where we feel safest: our homes,” says Dr Valdovinos.
The methods used in the app have been supported by numerous studies, including publications in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, Military Medicine and the Journal of Clinical Psychology. They have found meditation intervention to result in reduced stress, anxiety, and slowed breathing rates.
Bravo Tango Brain Training is free and available on all smartphones and voice-powered devices with Google Assistant. Although effective and accessible, it should not be used as a replacement for ongoing professional care.
For more information on Bravo Tango Brain Training, visit their website here.
