What is your sense of purpose and meaning? It may save your life. | va houston health care | veterans affairs

For many Veterans, purpose and meaning were easy to identify during their military service. It was service greater than self and looking out for the person next to you. When the uniform

comes off and you venture into the next chapter of life, what fills your cup on a day-to-day basis? Is it faith, family, work, causes in your community or maybe your hobbies? The Houston VA

Whole Health program wants to come alongside our Veterans to help them to rediscover what is important to them. It’s also a critical element of suicide prevention. “Whole health always

starts with the question about what matters most to you,” said Dr. Shannon Sisco, Houston VA Whole Health Director. “Having a sense of purpose and meaning is one of the biggest protectors

against suicide.” The Whole Health approach focuses on caring for the whole person instead of focusing on medical or mental health diagnoses. It aims not only to treat illness, but to

support Veterans in living their fullest lives based on what matters to them. It includes self-care and integrative therapies that complement traditional healthcare. Houston VA offerings

include meditation and mindfulness training, life skills workshops, yoga, Tai Chi, LGBTQ+ well-being groups, equine-assisted therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, cooking

classes, an integrative headache clinic, weight management, tobacco cessation and more. “Whole Health offerings help provide a foundation to teach us skills to be more aware of ourselves in

the present moment,” said Dr. Sisco. “They give us the tools to calm our bodies and our minds when we're facing something really challenging.” When crisis strikes, these tools may just

save your life. “In suicide, it can often result from a crisis that escalates quickly,” said Dr. Sisco. “When we have the tools to help us cope, we're better equipped to handle strong

feelings, and less likely for them to become out of control.” To get started, ask your VA provider about Whole Health service, contact us directly at 713-770-1548 or visit Whole Health | VA

Houston Health Care | Veterans Affairs. VETERANS CRISIS LINE If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then Press 1. Veterans can also text 838255 or

via chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.