Explore Your Treatment Options

There are various ways to treat Operational Stress Injury (OSI), and your mental health professional may specialize in one or more of these approaches. Below are four common methods, though other treatments may also be effective for you:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

   
   

   CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach that helps you identify, challenge, and change problematic thought patterns and behaviors.

2. Exposure Therapy

   
   

   Exposure therapy helps individuals confront fears or distressing situations in a safe environment. By facing the things that cause fear or discomfort, individuals can reduce their avoidance and overcome anxiety.

3. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

   
   

   CPT is designed for those who have experienced psychologically traumatic events. It helps individuals challenge and modify related thoughts, such as self-blame, to facilitate healing and emotional growth.

4. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

   
   

   EMDR focuses on reducing the emotional intensity of traumatic memories. The treatment involves making side-to-side eye movements, similar to watching a pendulum, while recalling the event, which can help lessen distressing emotions.

   
   

Your treatment plan should be tailored to your needs, and your mental health professional can guide you toward the most suitable approach

Understand the Terminology

When searching for a mental health professional, you may come across unfamiliar terms.

One of the key terms to remember is Operational Stress Injury (OSI). OSI’s refer to mental health conditions or disorders that arise from operational (or Occupational) stress experienced in the workplace. While these stressors often involve exposure to potentially traumatic events, Public Safety Personnel (PSP) may also face other occupational stressors, such as shift work, overtime, and the pressure to maintain a "higher image" in public.

Understand the Types of Mental Health Professionals

There are three main types of mental health professionals you may encounter:

Psychologists

Psychologists can assess mental health issues, create treatment plans, and provide psychotherapy or psychological treatments that focus on addressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They perform assessments, prescribe medications, recommend treatments, and can request additional medical tests or exams when necessary.

Social Workers

Social workers provide psychotherapy, helping clients build skills and access personal or community resources to manage their problems and needs.

It's essential to check your benefits plan to understand which type of professional is covered and what type of registration or qualifications are required. If you have a family physician, they may also play a role in coordinating your mental health care.