Don’t let winter woes weigh on your wellness

It’s easy to feel like hibernating all winter. Some people don’t like going out in cold weather. Some worry about getting around in icy and snowy conditions. Some have trouble driving in the early and extended darkness. And for millions, seasonal affective disorder makes self-care more difficult. SAD is a mental health condition, most prevalent in the fall and winter, when a seasonal change triggers a significant mood shift.

It’s important to continue your health care uninterrupted during the winter months. Here’s how VA’s many virtual care options can help.

Keep your appointments

Sometimes the winter months can keep us cooped up at home and sometimes holiday travels keep us on the go. No matter where you are, you can use VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app, to meet with your VA providers.

Telehealth services are available whether you’re at home or traveling. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, laptop or other internet-connected device. You can have video telehealth visits for physical health concerns or meet with a mental health provider, which can be especially important during winter months.

Talk with your provider to see whether video appointments are right for you. To learn more, visit the VA Video Connect page on the VA App Store.

Practice self-care with VA apps

For those who prefer self-guided learning or virtual coaching, VA has a wealth of apps, including:

• MOVE! Coach. If you want to burn off some holiday pounds or improve your overall health through exercise, MOVE! Coach can help.
• Annie for Veterans. Sign up to receive automated text messages to monitor health conditions or help you stay on an exercise or healthy eating plan.
• Insomnia Coach. If your sleep schedule has been disrupted by winter’s fewer daylight hours—or for any reason—this app provides guided training and tips to improve your sleep.
• Stay Quit Coach and VetChange. If your New Year’s resolution includes having healthier relationships with tobacco or alcohol, these apps can help.
• Mindfulness Coach. If holiday stress gets you down, try Mindfulness Coach for tips on dealing with common stressors.

These and other self-care apps can help you improve your physical and mental health during the winter months. To learn more, visit the VA App Store.

Handle your records and requests online

Veterans can make VA appointments, find their VA health records, send messages to their VA providers and manage their VA prescriptions on My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal. If you don’t want to go out or if you’re traveling, you can have your prescriptions refilled and delivered to you.

You can also use the VA: Health and Benefits app to manage your VA health care, benefits and payments from your mobile phone or tablet. You can securely sign in with biometrics, get proof of Veteran status, view disability claim status, download common VA letters, review your VA appointments and add them to your calendar, exchange messages with your VA care team, refill and track your VA prescriptions and more. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Don’t be afraid to reach out

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed, lonely or isolated during the winter or at any time of year, call 988 and press 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may also reach out by text at 838255 and through chat.