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TOOLS & SUPPORT: Peer support plays a vital role in helping family and friends of Veterans and Public Safety Personnel/First Responders with PTSD cope with the emotional, mental, and logistical challenges they face. By engaging with others who are going through similar experiences, caregivers can gain a sense of validation and understanding that reduces feelings of isolation. Peer support provides an opportunity for individuals to share strategies, offer emotional comfort, and foster a sense of community. Research shows that support groups, both in-person and online, can be essential in helping individuals understand the complexities of PTSD and reduce stress and anxiety by giving them the tools to better navigate difficult situations (Sullivan & Pidcock, 2014). It can also provide an avenue for learning coping mechanisms, which can prevent burnout and ensure better mental health for the supporters themselves. For families and friends, peer support also offers an outlet to express concerns, frustrations, and fears, knowing they are supported by others who truly understand their experience. This shared empathy strengthens relationships, while also encouraging self-care, a crucial element for those supporting loved ones with PTSD. A study by Galovski & Lyons (2004) found that providing mutual support in these settings helps reduce the emotional burden on caregivers, enhancing their ability to maintain healthy relationships with those they care about. Moreover, peer support fosters resilience, helping families develop practical tools for supporting their loved ones effectively, while reducing the risk of secondary trauma and mental health issues that can arise from long-term caregiving. References: Galovski, T. E., & Lyons, J. A. (2004). Psychological well-being and distress in partners of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress , 17(1), 29-35. Sullivan, J., & Pidcock, S. (2014). Peer support for family members of individuals with PTSD: A qualitative study. Journal of Traumatic Stress , 27(2), 182-189. *** OSI-CAN provides Family and Friends Peer Support Thursday Nights at 7PM. For more information and to sign up, contact the Facilitator via Facebook messenger at https://www.facebook.com/share/18JS6Qsv2K/

There was a time when I thought I might never smile again. The weight of my struggles had become so heavy that even moments of joy felt distant and unattainable. My parents often told me they hadn’t seen a genuine smile from me in years. That all changed the day Winston entered my life. Winston isn’t just a service dog—he’s a lifeline, a guardian, and my greatest source of unconditional love. From the moment he arrived, I couldn’t stop smiling. He doesn’t judge me or expect me to explain myself. Whether I’m battling overwhelming emotions or just having a tough day, his big soft nose nudge, gentle paw, and warm, accepting eyes remind me that I am never alone. A New Alarm Clock: Facing the Day with Courage For so long, mornings were the hardest part of my day. I dreaded getting out of bed, feeling like the weight of the world would crush me if I tried to face it. But Winston changed that. He’s an alarm clock I can’t ignore—playfully seeking me out under my pillow, coaxing me out of hiding, and giving me the strength to face whatever the day has in store. These days, I wake up laughing at his goofy antics and feel a spark of energy to take on the world with him by my side. A Brave Companion Against My Fears Living with anxiety can make every moment feel like a potential minefield, with triggers lurking where you least expect them. But Winston is brave enough for both of us. He stands guard when my fears creep in, guiding me to safety with gentle nudges when I feel frozen with anxiety. His presence reassures me that I’m protected, even in the most uncertain situations. Finding Rest in the Darkest Hours For years, sleep was a battle I often lost. Nightmares haunted my nights, making rest impossible. But Winston has changed even that. When I’m trapped in a bad dream, he wakes me gently and stays by my side, offering comfort until I can fall back to sleep. His unwavering companionship has eased my fear of the night, giving me a peace I never thought possible. Living Again: One Moment at a Time Winston has done more than help me manage my fears—he’s given me my life back. I laugh out loud now, something I thought I’d forgotten how to do. His silly antics and playful nature remind me to live in the moment, to focus on the joy of now rather than the pain of the past. Most importantly, Winston has given me hope for the future. I no longer feel trapped, just waiting for life to be over. With him by my side, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and happiness. I’m excited about what lies ahead because I know we’ll face it together. Thank You, OSI-CAN None of this would have been possible without OSI-CAN . You’ve given me the opportunity to not just survive but truly live again. Winston has brought light and laughter back into my life, and for that, I will be forever grateful. To anyone out there struggling: you are not alone. Help is available, and sometimes, it comes with a wagging tail, a goofy grin, and a heart full of unconditional love. – Sofia, Former Paramedic DONATE NOW ...

a.       Discussing mental health can be difficult, but when starting a conversation with a co-worker, it's important to approach it with openness and without judgment. Keep the following in mind: b.       Be available and approachable for mental health discussions c.       Listen attentively without interrupting d.       Use open-ended questions to encourage your co-worker to express their feelings Be mindful of your body language, as it can communicate a lot without words

Metatag: This page lists a number of Counsellors and Resources for Therapy. 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 Stress Injury or Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help COUNSELLORS & REFERRALS OSI-CAN provides referrals and in some cases funding to seek counselling from Psychologists, etc. that specialize in trauma needs! If you need help, contact Julius at 306-552-3801 or 1-888-495-6068 Email: osicandir@cmhask.com OSI/PTSI can occur when a person directly experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It can also happen with repeated exposure to traumatic events and details, as with OSICAN’s target group: military, first responders, 911 dispatchers, corrections, tow truck drivers, and all public safety personnel. We at OSI-CAN are able to refer you to a counsellor such as a Psychologist specialized in dealing with Trauma situations such as an OSI or PTSD whether you have a diagnosis or not. We can also provide funding for a limited amount of sessions with a Psychologist or Counsellor if needed! Some Psychologists and Counsellors that we have referred people to include: Christina Anderson – BA, BSW, MSW, RSW christina@andersondupuis.com Website: https://www.andersondupuis.com/ Debongshi Chakma https://journeytowellnesscounsellingservices.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/2 Colette Pelletier - Psychologist/Counsellor colette.pelletier@sasktel.net Steve Jacobson - Psychologist/Counsellor stejacobson@gmail.com Maureen Martens - Counsellor hardie.counsel@sasktel.net Marianne Stewart - Psychologist/Counsellor admin@mariannestewart.ca Lauren MacDonald - Counsellor (Note: special funding for Aboriginal Veterans from USA and Canada military deployment) mtrtf@sasktel.net Susan Ulmer - Counsellor (Note: Specializes in addictions counselling and recovery) susanulmercounselling@sasktel.net Krystal Hawkins, M.Ed. - Psychologist https://www.familyhope.ca/ krystal@familyhope.ca PSPNET is a free online, self-paced therapy resource for Canadian PSP with an OSI that teaches simple but effective strategies to manage many mental health concerns including low mood, depression, anxiety and trauma. Courses available in both English and French. Courses available in a self-guided format, or with the assistance of experienced therapists in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. https://www.pspnet.ca/ Psychology Today - Resource for looking up Therapists and their qualifications https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/sk/regina OSI-CAN Target Demographic 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 --- Municipal Police Services, CN Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection Services, Wildland Firefighters, Hospital Trauma personnel, Nurses, Healthcare Workers, Crown Prosecutors, Social Workers, Animal Control Officers, Coroners, Indigenous Emergency Management, Victim Services Personnel, Emergency Communications Specialist, Crisis Management Workers (such as Mobile Crisis, etc), Corrections Officers, Youth Workers, Youth Corrections Workers, “Volunteer” First Responders, Conservation Officers, Tow Truck drivers, and private sector First Responders. We also provide supports to the spouses and significant others of those exposed to such trauma. 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 may not have proper access to support.

Metatag: This page allows for Veterans and First Responders to book a consultation for their community's needs such as counselling or a Peer Support Group. 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 Stress Injury or Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help CONSULTATIONS Community Support & Contact Services Our Mission is to supply and support wherever and whenever our services are needed. If you don't see your location listed please call Julius Brown Toll-Free 1-888-495-6068 or Cell 306-552-3801 Peer Support Groups OSI-CAN provides Peer Support Groups for our target demographic; Military and Civilian Public Safety Personnel. Occupational Stress Injuries / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur when a person directly experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This can also happen with repeated exposure to traumatic situations and details. Book A Consultation Consultations One on One OSI-CAN wants to be here when you need us. Please click the button below to contact us directly or find the community support contact nearest your location. If this is an emergency please use the numbers above for immediate service. Book A Consultation

This page links OSI-CAN to the Resilient Minds Program of the CMHA. 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 Stress Injury or Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help Resilient MindsTM is a new program of the CMHA growing into a National effort to help First Responders! Resilient Minds™ is an evidence-informed, peer-to-peer, skill-building program designed by and for career and volunteer fire fighters across Canada to develop strategies to mitigate and better manage occupational stress and enhance personal resilience, resulting in informed and healthier teams. Innovative and evidence-informed – Resilient Minds is a skills and resilience development training course designed by and for fire fighters using the latest literature on resilience, stress and stress-related injuries. Fire fighters train fire fighters – Using a peer-to-peer model of instruction, the Resilient Minds curriculum is taught by fire fighters to fire fighters. Volunteer and career fire fighters – Resilient Minds is the only training program designed to train both career and volunteer fire fighters and takes into consideration the differences in experience and resources available to the two groups. Resilient Minds will increase the ability to: Recognize the effects of psychological stress/trauma in self and peers Communicate with peers who may be struggling Respond promptly, safely and appropriately to distressed citizens Apply personal strategies for managing stress, mitigating trauma and boosting resilience For questions or to learn more, please email resilientminds@cmha.ca OSI-CAN Target Demographic 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 --- Municipal Police Services, CN Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection Services, Wildland Firefighters, Hospital Trauma personnel, Nurses, Healthcare Workers, Crown Prosecutors, Social Workers, Animal Control Officers, Coroners, Indigenous Emergency Management, Victim Services Personnel, Emergency Communications Specialist, Crisis Management Workers (such as Mobile Crisis, etc), Corrections Officers, “Volunteer” First Responders, Conservation Officers, Tow Truck drivers, and private sector First Responders. Persons who in the performance of their jobs are exposed to criminal acts of Trauma. We also provide supports to the spouses and significant others of those exposed to such trauma. 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 may not have proper access to support. Treatment Sessions in Private or in a Group 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 OSI-CAN is a program of: In Partnership with: With the Support of: