The “Coming Home” project as Dr. Morie called it, is a great
idea for helping veterans affected by the trauma of war. It gives them a chance
to deal with their mental health challenges in the privacy and comfort of their
home in a convenient and low-stress environment.
And since obtaining first a proper diagnosis, then effective treatment, can be difficult in the health care system of today, to me Second
Life serves as the perfect alternative.
Chicoma Island, where the veteran treatment center is based,
offers a great example of technological advancement and an example of the
calming and mental benefits that Second Life can have on those suffering from
illnesses such as PTSD.
One thing that was created to help reduce stress levels of
participants was a HUD that monitored regular deep-breathing. The jogging track
that was created utilized this HUD and the users’ normal breathing to make the
avatar jog. The jog took roughly ten minutes to complete and Dr. Morie said
that studies showed that the ten minutes of normal breathing had health
benefits.
Another thing she discussed that really captured my interest
was the idea to have an on-going treatment center in Second Life for soldiers
wishing to stay on active duty. Personally, I love the idea that when stressed
or in need of counseling, a soldier could log on to Second Life and find the
help that he/she needs. I think this approach could work for those in the
civilian sector who also suffer from the effects of severe trauma and I hope
that funding returns so this project can be continued.
CeleneHighwater
Member of Virtual Ability group in Second Life®
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