HARNESSING VR TECHNOLOGY FOR VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH: ROB BELL’S MISSION TO TRANSFORM ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTHCARE
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As a country, we need to keep veterans’ suicide prevention front and center while continuing to leverage new technology for improved treatment options.
-Col. Mark Schonberg, 34-year retired veteran
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Why Men’s Mental Health Is Often Forgotten Healthy Pre-Workoout Snacks To Help You Stay In Shape
The Best Ways To Gain Weight
Harnessing VR Technology For Veteran Mental Health: Rob Bell’s Mission To Transform Access To Mental Healthcare Do You Know How Cold Water Affects Your Health? Natural Remedies For Colds, Flu, And Congestion: What Works And What Doesn’t What Is Stress Tracking?
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With increasing awareness of the mental health challenges faced by military veterans, new solutions are emerging that not only focus on providing care but also ensure accessibility and inclusivity for those who need it most. Leading this charge is 2B3D Inc., a pioneering organization leveraging virtual reality (VR) to offer immersive mental health support, transforming care for veterans nationwide through the ActionVerse.
This article explores how Robert Bell, the founder and CEO of 2B3D, works with co-founder Andrew Bjarnsen to bridge critical gaps in veteran mental health care by merging technology with an unwavering commitment to veterans’ well-being.
Robert Bell is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who launched 2B3D Inc. in 2020 as a comprehensive gaming studio and a pioneering platform for non-fungible token (NFT) creation, auctions, and storage. Driven by a deep
commitment to supporting military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Bell envisioned 2B3D as a way to expand the therapeutic potential of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. Bell has built a decentralized metaverse focused on healing and support for veterans through play-to-earn games, utility-based NFTs, and an integrated in-game cryptocurrency. In addition to his work with 2B3D, Bell is the founder and CEO of Bell Medical Solutions, a company that helps connect attorneys with qualified personal injury doctors.
Robert Bell’s career began with a focus on efficiency. As the founder and CEO of Bell Medical Solutions, Bell worked to streamline processes in the personal injury (PI) sector, removing tedious tasks from case managers and attorneys who were often overburdened.
“I didn’t set out to make a big splash,” Bell recalled. “I just saw a problem that needed fixing. The more I worked with case managers and attorneys, the more I realized they were bogged down by inefficiencies that weren’t necessary.”
His approach with Bell Medical Solutions was straightforward: build systems that allow legal professionals to spend more time advocating for clients rather than getting buried in paperwork.
Yet, as his business thrived, a more profound calling surfaced. Inspired by his family’s military ties, Bell recognized a stark disparity in how veterans accessed mental health resources. He saw inefficiencies in veteran mental health care as more than just technical gaps; they represented lives lost to inadequate support systems.
“I realized that the inefficiencies in veteran mental health care weren’t just about systems—they were about saving lives,” Bell said.
Driven by this realization, he set out to create 2B3D Inc., a company committed to making mental health care accessible for veterans in a revolutionary way.
The statistics speak volumes. Every day, an average of 22 veterans take their own lives, often due to unaddressed mental health struggles like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Bell knew he had to act. Traditional mental health solutions were insufficient for this community; stigma, lack of access, and logistical challenges left too many veterans without the support they needed. Thus, 2B3D Inc. was founded with a groundbreaking vision: to use VR technology to create immersive, therapeutic environments where veterans could find effective, stigma-free mental health care.
While Bell provided the vision and direction, the practical expertise behind 2B3D’s success comes from Andrew Bjarnsen, the company’s Chief Creative Officer and co-founder. Bjarnsen’s background is steeped in direct experience with the challenges veterans face. A former U.S. Army 68W Combat Medic, he earned the Combat Medic Badge for his courageous service.
“When I think about the veterans we’re trying to help, I think about the people I served with. The ones who came home and those who didn’t,” Bjarnsen shared.
His firsthand knowledge of trauma on the battlefield has been instrumental in shaping 2B3D’s VR environments into genuinely supportive spaces.
Bjarnsen’s technology and creative design expertise allowed him to envision VR spaces that blend healing with familiarity, making therapy an approachable experience. Together with Bell, he has crafted virtual spaces where veterans can access treatment with dignity and support.
2B3D’s approach isn’t just about offering mental health services in a novel format—it’s about changing how veterans perceive and access care. With more than half of 2B3D’s team being veterans themselves, the company’s work is deeply rooted in firsthand experience. This connection enables 2B3D to craft virtual environments that feel authentic, inclusive, and uniquely suited to veterans’ needs.
Col. Mark Schonberg, a 34-year retired veteran, relayed, “Veteran suicide rates continue to be at a pace that exceeds all other sections of American society. These are problems that require humans to interact with humans, and the sooner we leverage technology to create virtual reality environments that emulate the human-to-human aspect of treatment, the more we can augment that with proven treatments that can maximize artificial intelligence or machine learning.
As a country, we need to keep veterans’ suicide prevention front and center while continuing to leverage new technology for improved treatment options. Taking a great idea and turning it into reality, or in this case, virtual reality should facilitate the deployment of new programs. We must continue to think outside the box and quickly validate potential new capabilities.
The unique thing about 2B3D as a company is that we defined our social mission of stopping veterans’ suicide right from the beginning due to the large proportion of veterans within the company. As we develop our virtual environments, we can easily integrate capabilities to support our objectives. Getting treatment shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable. It can easily be added to a metaverse environment where 99% of the other activities involve having fun.”
The virtual spaces created by 2B3D go beyond standard therapy rooms. Veterans can enter
worlds where healing is interwoven with social engagement, making therapy feel natural. Here, they can play games, connect with others, or simply relax—all with mental health support seamlessly integrated. MedQuest is a virtual health center that will be open 24/7, where veterans can speak to professional counselors if they are having suicidal thoughts or ideation or simply need to talk through their anxious thoughts. This gives them easy access to the help they need in a safe space that is already a part of their lifestyle. Players will also benefit from comprehensive virtual health services, such as individual and group therapy sessions, blockchain-based prescriptions, and initial consultations, all within the engaging context of the ActionVerse’s diverse gaming worlds. By combining gaming and therapy, 2B3D removes the barriers that often prevent veterans from seeking help.
With continued growth, Bell and Bjarnsen are actively exploring ways to broaden 2B3D’s reach. Partnerships with leading mental health organizations and veteran support networks are on the horizon, each aimed at amplifying their impact. Multiple Olympians, professional athletes, and world champions from action sports like surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and the NFL have joined the team, including Anthony Smith. Their roles include owning teams for the virtual ‘Astro Bowl’ that veterans and other players can participate in once the game is fully built and launched.
Two-time Super Bowl Champion Anthony Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers said, “I would like to thank 2B3D for the opportunity to extend the legacy of my career in the galaxy through Astro Bowl. It’s an honor to be a part of something the majority of us grew up doing: playing video games. It’s a very innovative game that allows players to maximize their creativity when creating plays on offense and defense. As VP, I am proud to say that not only are the creators of the game letting us be a part of it, but they are also letting all of our current and veteran NFL players who are into gaming be owners of a team in this epic recreation of one the best games ever created in Temco Bowl.”
Bell envisions a future where every veteran has access to mental health resources, no matter where they are or what their circumstances may be.
“This isn’t just about VR,” he emphasized. “It’s about creating a better way for veterans to get the care they need.”
The journey of 2B3D continues to be one of purpose and passion, driven by the personal commitments of both Bell and Bjarnsen. For Bell, the mission is a seamless extension of the efficiency-focused work he began in the PI industry. For Bjarnsen, it’s a way to support those who served, just as he did in his military career.
Robert Bell’s journey from founding Bell Medical Solutions to creating 2B3D Inc. exemplifies a profound dedication to service and innovation. His story is one of identifying critical needs— whether it’s streamlining legal processes to improve client care or transforming mental health
support for veterans—and responding with solutions that make a meaningful impact. Bell’s work in the personal injury industry was rooted in freeing professionals from the burden of tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on their clients. Now, with 2B3D, Bell has applied this philosophy to an even more urgent cause: saving lives by reimagining mental health care for veterans.
Alongside Andrew Bjarnsen, Bell has built 2B3D into a transformative force in veteran mental health care, utilizing groundbreaking virtual reality environments to create safe, supportive spaces. Their vision goes beyond traditional treatment models, offering veterans a new, stigma-free way to engage with mental health care. By integrating therapy with social and recreational elements, 2B3D will allow veterans to receive support within a community, making care accessible and engaging rather than isolating. This pioneering approach in the metaverse signifies a breakthrough in technology and a rethinking of what mental health support can be.
Bell and Bjarnsen’s commitment to this mission is unwavering. They have built a company and cultivated a legacy of empathy, innovation, and action. Their work at 2B3D demonstrates that business success and social impact can go hand in hand, using technology to create a lifeline for veterans who might otherwise struggle alone. As 2B3D continues to evolve, Bell and Bjarnsen remain driven by a higher purpose—providing veterans with the care, community, and resources they deserve.
With every new connection made in the virtual world, every veteran who finds solace in 2B3D’s spaces, Bell and Bjarnsen’s legacy of service deepens. Their work isn’t just about business; it’s about building a compassionate future where no veteran has to face mental health challenges alone. This mission echoes in every aspect of 2B3D’s growth and is a powerful reminder that technology can truly transform lives when guided by a profound purpose.
To learn more about the mission and ambassadors of the ActionVerse, created by 2B3D, visit https://2b3d.com/.
Rob and his team at Bell Medical Solutions are now also working with the VMA Driving Force team to stay on top of medical imaging for personal injury cases. Visit bellmedicalsolutions. com/to see how Bell Medical Solutions can help connect you with qualified personal injury doctors.
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective remedies for colds and flu. When you have a fever, the body loses fluids through sweat, leading to dehydration. Drinking water, herbal teas, and broths can help thin mucus, reduce congestion, and ease symptoms like sore throats.¹ Warm liquids, in particular, can provide immediate relief for nasal congestion and sore throats by improving mucus flow.
Honey is an age-old remedy for soothing coughs and sore throats. Its thick consistency coats the throat, providing temporary relief from irritation. Research supports honey’s effectiveness, showing that it can be as effective as over-the-counter cough suppressants, especially in children one year and older.² Honey also has antibacterial properties that may help fight infections.
How to use: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of honey in warm water or tea for relief.
Steam inhalation is a well-known natural remedy for relieving nasal congestion. Inhaling warm, moist air can loosen mucus, making breathing easier. You can enhance the experience by adding essential oils like eucalyptus, which has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.³
How to use: Boil water, pour it into a bowl, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes.
Saltwater gargles are simple yet effective for treating a sore throat. The salt helps reduce swelling by drawing out excess moisture from inflamed tissues, and it can also loosen mucus, making it easier to expel.⁴
How to use: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle several times daily.
Herbal teas made from ingredients like ginger, echinacea, and chamomile are popular cold and flu remedies. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce throat pain and congestion. Echinacea is believed to boost the immune system, and chamomile can promote relaxation and better sleep, which is crucial for recovery.⁵
How to use: Steep fresh ginger slices or herbal tea bags in boiling water for 5-10 minutes and drink throughout the day.
There are many myths surrounding cold and flu treatments. Let’s separate fact from fiction.
Fact: While vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, research shows it doesn’t prevent the common cold. However, regularly taking vitamin C supplements can slightly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, especially for individuals who engage in intense physical activity or are exposed to cold environments.⁶
Fact: Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like the common cold or flu. Unnecessarily taking antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance.⁷ The best way to manage viral infections is through supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and symptom relief.
Fact: There’s no scientific evidence to support starving yourself during a fever. In fact, it’s essential to nourish your body with easy-to-digest, nutrient-rich foods to help your immune system fight off infection. Soups, fruits, and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that aid in recovery.⁸
Fact: Despite this common belief, scientific studies have found no significant link between dairy consumption and increased mucus production. For most people, drinking milk when they have a cold is perfectly fine and may even provide needed calories and nutrients.⁹
While natural remedies can provide comfort and relief for cold and flu symptoms, it’s important to recognize when symptoms warrant professional medical attention. Seek medical help if you experience:
- High fever lasting more than three days
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe headache or confusion
- Persistent vomiting
These could be signs of a more severe infection, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or complications from the flu.
A balanced approach is key when dealing with colds, flu, or congestion. Combining timetested home remedies with proper rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications (as needed) can help your body recover more comfortably. However, it’s essential to avoid falling for common myths and misconceptions about cold and flu treatments. While natural remedies like honey, steam inhalation, and herbal teas can offer relief, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of these treatments and when to seek professional care.
Natural remedies provide valuable support during cold and flu season but are not substitutes for medical treatment when symptoms escalate. Be cautious of myths, stick to sciencebacked remedies, and remember that prevention—through hand washing, getting enough rest, and staying hydrated—is often the best remedy of all.
1. https://medium.com/the-insanity-journal/tagged/suicide
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness, available at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) or by free text for those in crisis (text “NAMI” to 741-741).
3. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24/7 at 988.
4. Face It Foundation provides support groups, peer support, and other resources for men with depression.
1. Murray, Bob, and Christine Rosenbloom. “Fundamentals of Glycogen Metabolism for Coaches and Athletes.” Nutrition Reviews 76, no. 4 (February 10, 2018): 243–59. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/ nuy001.
2. Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, LN. “How Many Calories and Carbs Are in a Banana?” Healthline. Healthline Media, December 25, 2016. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bananas-calories-carbs.
3. Amiri, Mojgan, Reza Ghiasvand, Mojtaba Kaviani, Scott C. Forbes, and Amin Salehi-Abargouei. “Chocolate Milk for Recovery from Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 73, no. 6 (June 19, 2018): 835–49. https:// doi.org/10.1038/s41430-018-0187-x.
1. Borst, Heidi. “How to Gain Weight Safely, according to Experts.” Forbes Health, January 9, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/how-to-gain-weight/.
2. Marcin, Ashley. “6 Health Risks of Being Underweight.” Healthline, May 15, 2017. https://www. healthline.com/health/underweight-health-risks#weight-range.
3. Health Direct Australia. “What to Do If You Are Underweight.” www.healthdirect.gov.au, August 26, 2019. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-to-do-if-you-are-underweight.
4. Cleveland Clinic. “High-Calorie Snacks for When You Need to Gain Weight.” Cleveland Clinic, October 30, 2023. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/high-calorie-snack-ideas-for-weight-gain.
5. Mawer, Rudy. “The 18 Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight Fast.” Healthline, November 4, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/18-foods-to-gain-weight.
6. Marcin, Ashley. “6 Health Risks of Being Underweight.”
7. familydoctor.org Editorial Staff. “Healthy Ways to Gain Weight If You’re Underweight.” familydoctor.org, June 7, 2018. https://familydoctor.org/healthy-ways-to-gain-weight-if-youre-underweight/.
1. To learn more about the ActionVerse created by 2B3D, visit https://2b3d.com/.
2. See how Bell Medical Solutions can help connect you with qualified personal injury doctors by visiting bellmedicalsolutions.com/.
1. Watson, Kathryn. “Cold Shower Benefits for Your Health.” Healthline, April 25, 2017. https://www. healthline.com/health/cold-shower-benefits.
2. Nall, Rachel. “Are There Any Health Benefits to a Cold Shower?” www.medicalnewstoday.com, October 24, 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325725.
3. Cleveland Clinic. “Are Cold Showers Good for You?” Cleveland Clinic, June 17, 2021. https://health. clevelandclinic.org/are-cold-showers-good-for-you.
4. Caporuscio, Jessica. “What Are the Benefits of Cold and Hot Showers?” www.medicalnewstoday. com, January 13, 2020. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327461.
5. Cleveland Clinic. “Are Cold Showers Good for You?”
6. Bongiorno, Peter. “A Cold Splash–Hydrotherapy for Depression and Anxiety.” Psychology Today, July 6, 2014. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201407/cold-splash-hydrotherapy-depression-and-anxiety.
7. Cherney, Kristeen. “Cold Shower for Anxiety: Research, Efficacy, and More.” Healthline, June 22, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/cold-shower-for-anxiety#research.
8. Watson, Kathryn. “Cold Shower Benefits for Your Health.”
9. LIVunLtd. “Home - LIVunLtd.” LIVunLtd, October 24, 2024. https://livunltd.com/?country=US.
10. Cleveland Clinic. “Are Cold Showers Good for You?”
11. LIVunLtd. “Home - LIVunLtd.”
1. Harvard Health Publishing. “Hydration and Colds: What You Need to Know.” Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu.
2. Mayo Clinic. “Honey as a Cough Suppressant.” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org.
3. Healthline. “Steam Inhalation: Benefits for Colds and Flu.” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com.
4. WebMD. “Gargling Salt Water for a Sore Throat.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com.
5. National Institutes of Health. “Herbal Teas for Colds: What Works?” NIH. https://www.nih.gov.
6. WebMD. “Vitamin C and the Common Cold: Myths vs. Facts.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Antibiotic Use and Resistance.” CDC. https://www. cdc.gov.
8. Harvard Health Publishing. “Hydration and Colds: What You Need to Know.” Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu.
9. Cleveland Clinic. “Dairy and Mucus Production: The Myths.” Cleveland Clinic. https://www.clevelandclinic.org.
1. Wikipedia Contributors. “Thoracic Diaphragm.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, December 21, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_diaphragm.
2. Read this article and more on topdoctormagazine.com.
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