THE FILING CABINET

While researching Post Traumatic Growth we came across an article explaining how our brain is a filing cabinet. Over the years some of us been able to file experiences in an appropriate place. Not a simple process but worthwhile if a person can accomplish it.

In the metaphor, the mind is a filing cabinet, incidents of trauma are unorganized and float around and surface at the most inopportune times. It has been suggested a person can use a process of Dealing, Feeling, Healing, and Sealing. The goal is to move towards Post Traumatic Growth and not become overpowered by our emotions. That is why it is so important to understand we are not alone, and help is available. The help comes in many forms; Clinical without question, and Peer Support as an additional extension in the form of support.

“It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters”

(Author Unknown)

Our mission is to inspire hope and contribute to the continued well-being and recovery process of Veterans and Front Line Protectors across Canada.

We seek to empower and encourage them to strive for recovery through peer and professional support while creating greater public awareness.

We at OSI-CAN do not see PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Disorder, we see it as an Injury you can recover from. If you are suffering from the symptoms of an Occupational or Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help

The target demographic of OSI-CAN are but are not limited to: former and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Allied Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Frontline Protectors --- which include Municipal Police Services, CN Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection Services, Wildland Firefighters, Hospital Trauma personnel, Nurses, Healthcare Workers, Social Workers, Animal Control Officers, Coroners, Indigenous Emergency Management, Victim Services Personnel, Emergency Communications Specialist, Corrections Officers, “Volunteer” First Responders, Conservation Officers, Aboriginal Emergency Services personnel, Tow Truck drivers who clean up accident scenes and their spouses/partners. This demographic was chosen due to the commonality of experiences they share through the service they provide to the country and community. We have a special interest and support volunteer first responders as they are not eligible for programs such as Workers' Compensation.

Signs of Recovery

WHEN ONE LIVES WITHOUT HOPE, THE WILLINGNESS TO DO IS PARALYZED.

… IT IS BEING DISABLED, NOT BY ILLNESS OR DISEASE, BUT BY DESPAIR.

Signs of Recovery

I know that I am moving forward in my recovery when…

● …I find myself questioning people who say I will not recover

● …I become more aware of those things that I am good at.

● …I know what I can handle and what I need to share with the professionals.

● …I am able to set up safeguards for myself.

● …I learn from my peers and get support from them.

● …I see trouble coming before it arrives.

● …I think I may have a chance.

● …I know who and what’s not good for me.

● …I realize what sets me off and stresses me out.

● …I know how to work the system.

● …I know when my behaviour is appropriate and inappropriate.

● …I am able to hear “hope” from my peers – “Hang in there, it’s not forever”

● …I know the difference in symptoms and stigma and am developing coping skills for each.

● …I believe I can recover.

● …I know when to leave a situation because it has given me all it can.

● …I realize that my past life has value.

● …I know when I need a special kind of help and seek it out.

● …I know that sharing with peers helps put things in perspective.

The above is provided in order to see the importance of instilling HOPE in our daily lives and try to view things in positives.

Peer Support Group Leader, Leigh

Photo by DanSunphotos.com

Our mission is to inspire hope and contribute to the continuous well-being and recovery process of Veterans and Front Line Protectors across Canada.

We seek to empower and encourage them to strive for recovery through peer and professional support while creating greater public awareness.

We at OSI-CAN do not see PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Disorder, we see it as an Injury you can recover from. If you are suffering from the symptoms of an Occupational or Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help

The target demographic of OSI-CAN are but are not limited to: former and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Allied Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Frontline Protectors --- which include Municipal Police Services, CN Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection Services, Wildland Firefighters, Hospital Trauma personnel, Nurses, healthcare Workers, Social Workers, Animal Control Officers, Coroners, Indigenous Emergency Management, Victim Services Personnel, Emergency Communications Specialist, Corrections Officers, “Volunteer” First Responders, Conservation Officers, Aboriginal Emergency Services personnel, Tow Truck drivers who clean up accident scenes and their spouses/partners. This demographic was chosen due to the commonality of experiences they share through the service they provide to the country and community. We have a special interest and support volunteer first responders as they are not eligible for programs such as Workers' Compensation.

Foundation for Peer Support

Five Fundamental Beliefs About Life – Foundation for Peer Support:

● Everyone has the ability to learn and grow.

● People’s beliefs determine their behaviour.

● People think their way through life.

● Whatever people focus on, they give power to.

● Life’s experiences are the best teacher.

Beliefs re-stated within the context of mental health and Recovery

○ Being diagnosed with a mental health injury does not take away the ability to learn and grow; people can recover and move on with their lives.

○ What a person believes about himself/herself, because of a diagnosis with a mental injury, is the most important determinant of his/her success in creating the life he/she wants.

○ Being diagnosed with a mental illness does not take away the ability to think strategically and creatively.

○ While symptoms and mental illness bring people in for services, the focus needs to shift to wellness and strengths as soon as possible.

○ Your recovery experience is your greatest gift to your peers … HOPE

*** Taken from Prairies to Peaks Peer Support Training Manual

Peer Support Group Leader, Leigh

Our mission is to inspire hope and contribute to the continuous well-being and recovery process of Veterans and Front Line Protectors across Canada.

We seek to empower and encourage them to strive for recovery through peer and professional support while creating greater public awareness.

We at OSI-CAN do not see PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Disorder, we see it as an Injury you can recover from. If you are suffering from the symptoms of an Occupational or Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help

The target demographic of OSI-CAN are but are not limited to: former and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Allied Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Frontline Protectors --- which include Municipal Police Services, CN Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection Services, Wildland Firefighters, Hospital Trauma personnel, Nurses, healthcare Workers, Social Workers, Animal Control Officers, Coroners, Indigenous Emergency Management, Victim Services Personnel, Emergency Communications Specialist, Corrections Officers, “Volunteer” First Responders, Conservation Officers, Aboriginal Emergency Services personnel, Tow Truck drivers who clean up accident scenes and their spouses/partners. This demographic was chosen due to the commonality of experiences they share through the service they provide to the country and community. We have a special interest and support volunteer first responders as they are not eligible for programs such as Workers' Compensation.