Getting a good night's sleep is vital for those with PTSD, as it not only helps them to feel more rested and alert during the day, but also provides a crucial time for their mind and body to process and heal from the traumas they have experienced. That’s why we worked with Purple.com to create their guide, PTSD and Sleep. The guide covers: What PTSD is and how it impacts sleep Common sleep disturbances associated with PTSD, such as insomnia or night terrors Strategies for addressing PTSD-related sleep issues How to improve sleep hygiene and create a safe sleeping environment Tips for partners of people with PTSD Read more at PTSD and Sleep.

"Hypervigilance is a state of elevated alertness. Hypervigilance is one of the central features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I was introduced to hypervigilance 23 years ago, although I had no idea that was what it was. About six months post release from the military and his tour to Bosnia, my spouse was in a state of constant alertness. Checking and rechecking doors and windows to make sure they were locked, needing to know where I was at all times, questioning whether the kids were safe, and the list went on. For several years this was our reality, and was very normal for us. What I didn’t realize was how this hypervigilance was transferring to me. I too was now on constant alert for possible triggers that might create chaos in our home. Were the kids being too loud? Would this family function be too overwhelming and crowded? Did the cleaner I was using have bleach in it? My spouse had several smell triggers, bleach being one of them. This state of my own heightened alert went on for many years. I now call it my survival mode. And it got me through. What I didn’t realize was how exhausting and depleting it was to my mind and body. It was not until years and a few counsellors later that the light bulb went on – I couldn’t control everything, nor could I fix my spouse or the create the perfect environment for him to live in. I was tired. It did not just switch on, it was a process of increased awareness each time I realized I was trying to control the environment around my spouse. What helped most was communication between us. We found solutions that we both agreed upon that would help all of us work through this next phase of letting go of the control ..." For more on this Blog from the Atlas Institute, click here! 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.

PSPNET Families is an online wellbeing hub designed to support the specific yet diverse challenges faced by families of public safety personnel (PSP). We provide a wide range of resources. Information and strategies have been developed to help PSP families manage this unique lifestyle. Here, spouses or significant others may also access a free, self-guided iCBT (internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy) course anytime that will help them understand and manage their mental health. ... Learn more about PSPNET Families 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.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS Mini Indy Moose Jaw Race INFORMATION 1. Set up for the track begins about 8.30 am on Saturday morning June 17th. Attached a map showing the location used at the Town and Country Mall in Moose Jaw. 2. Tech inspections, done by Noel McAvena, will start around 9 am as the course is being set up and once the course is completed and your car is teched… 3. Practice runs can be done by each team to find best drivers and give everyone a chance to feel out the course. We will also determine the fastest lap. 4. Racing starts at noon and will run until 5 -5.50 pm. There will be food trucks available and access to the mall facilities. As this Electric Vehicle (EV) Challenge is being combined with the “Race for Recovery” charity fundraiser, there will be electric, gas, electric, gas etc… races. Corporate teams that participate in this event all run gas so there won’t be a mixed race unless there is time at the end of the day and teams are willing. All pit equipment for the races is provided by Swervin so that everyone has the same equipment. Typical races are three teams at a time. The only tools required will be what you bring to work on your car if needed. There will also be help from Moose Jaw Ford if needed. Dealership banners and event sponsors will have their banners placed in key spots around the track (attached to the four-foot crowd fence). Dealerships get first pick of locations. Don’t forget: that the ADVISOR’S GUIDE TO SCORING is required for the tech inspection and final documentation we use for the challenge. ​ Rules of the racing events will be explained prior to races starting at noon. As mentioned at the beginning of this challenge to the schools, this is a charity fundraising event as well, car sponsors (other than the FORD dealerships) can make their donations to (Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatchewan) CMHA SK and in the memo section of the cheque, place “OSI-CAN”. They will be given a tax deductible receipt by the charity. Usually the minimum donation is $1000 per car, so do the best you can please. Decal space is worth cash to your cause. Registrations can be done online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-mental-health-association-saskatchewan-division-inc/events/osi-can-mini-indy-2023/ Trophy’s and awards are given out at the end of race day once we tabulate the points. Please remember to return all the unused parts and engines along with the cars after the competition to Swervin Mini Indy. I intend to use all the cars in car shows and displayed around the area to promote and build the challenge for next year. It’s also a great way to promote what your students can do and brag about your schools. I can also provide the dealerships with these cars for displays if they so desire as long as they are not being used for Swervin promotions. ​ There will be live streaming of the event by a Moose Jaw Drone company, radio and TV coverage where interviews of participants, sponsors and event organizers is encouraged. Merv Waiver and Liability Forms: Gas-Powered Kart Handbook: CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS We at OSI-CAN do not see PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Disorder, we see it as an Injury from which you can recover. 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 Target Demographic The target demographic of OSI-CAN is but is 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, Persons who in the performance of their jobs are exposed to criminal acts of Trauma like Prosecutors as one example, 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. OSI-CAN is a program of: In Partnership with: With the Support of:

EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY OSI-CAN is proud to provide Equine Assisted Therapy Programs across the Province in partnership with qualified providers, aiding in the recovery of Operational Stress Injuries / Occupational Stress Injuries (OSIs) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) For Regina and area, we are partnered with Serenity Farm , https://ridelkwind5.wixsite.com/serenity-farm whom also provides Equine Assisted Therapy through clinics, riding lessons, and trail rides. ​ Near Saskatoon, we have the seasonal operation at Vicki's Equine Assisted learning. You can contact them at https://vickisealandphotography.com/ or Call Vicki directly at (306) 417-9022 . On average, Vicki charges groups of 3 or more a rate of $24.00 total per session while individuals are charged $44/Session as they get one-on-one opportunities. OSI-CAN is able to provide support to attend these sessions but preferably at the group rate as OSI-CAN operates from private donations. ​ ​Near Balgonie we are partnered with Being Among Horses . Please call 306-531-3008 http://www.beingamonghorses.com/ For details contact Julius Brown at 306-552-3801 or toll free at 1-888-495-6068 , or use our contact form . ​ ​ ​ By Ron --- OSI-CAN Equine Therapy Testimonial: "One of the largest hurdles for myself in dealing with an Occupational Stress Injury as a Peace Officer in the Law Enforcement world is finding the ability to know if I can trust my own emotions, or even know what they are. The Trainer is there to help you understand that even if you do not trust yourself, you can trust the horse to know where your heart and head is at. In the beginning, when it came to try riding my first instinct was to approach getting on the Horse like I was responding to a ‘Code’ at work. I do not know what my Trainer saw but she encouraged me to take a step back, and she was right! After taking time to know ‘my’ horse Aida, by brushing her and cleaning hooves and leading her through a course or a game of ‘Horse Hockey’ (not kidding, that is what it is called) I am slowly understanding what the Trainer meant. Really trusting others while also admitting you need them is a lot easier when trusting something whose needs for interaction are … simpler. I have a long road ahead, but OSI-CAN and Aida are becoming the difference between counting on others and knowing that the others are there is what means you can count on yourself!!. " 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 --- 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, Persons who in the performance of their jobs are exposed to criminal acts of Trauma like Prosecutors as one example, 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. OSI-CAN is a program of: In Partnership with: With the Support of:

Peer Support Groups OSI-CAN provides Peer Support Groups for our target demographic; Military and Public Safety Personnel. Operational Stress Injuries / 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. List of Groups, Meeting Dates & Times, Location, and Contact info. ​ Please note that meetings are currently held via Zoom. To attend, please contact one of the contacts listed below. *** This means that groups do not require you to be in their area to attend an online group!! Provincial Coordinator/Director Questions? Contact us. Julius Brown, OSI-CAN Provincial Director CMHA SK, 2702-12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 1J2 306-552-3801 cell 1-888-495-6068 toll-free 306-525-5601 ext. 222 Peer Support Groups ​ Regina Meetings on Mondays at 7:00 pm (Virtual Online Meeting Only at present) Contact: Guy at 306-737-6981 (cell) Email gdelorme@gmail.com Regina Meetings on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm (Virtual and In-Person meetings available) Knox-Metropolitan United Church, 2340 Victoria Avenue Contact: Ronley at 306-540-7576 (cell) Email Ronley.Arnold@gmail.com Saskatoon Meetings on First and Third Tuesdays of every month at 7: 45 pm Royal Canadian Legion #63, 606 Spadina Crescent West Contact: Jason at 1-306-948-9228. Email jasonrorick@hotmail.com Prince Albert Contact: Renee at 306-331-7295 Email: renay.marie@sasktel.net Moose Jaw Meetings on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. St. Andrews Church 60 Athabasca St E, Moose Jaw Contact: Lacie at 306-725-7410 Email: osican.mj@cmhask.com ​ Fort Qu’Appelle Meetings on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. (Virtual Online Meeting Available) 120 Broadway Street W Contact: Renee at 306-331-7295 Email: renay.marie@sasktel.net ​ Weyburn Meetings on Thursdays at 7:00 pm Grace United Church 210 3rd Street For more information, contact: Tricia at 306-861-2052 or email tkfirstaid@gmail.com ​ Estevan Meetings are held via Zoom at 7 pm on Mondays, For more information, Contact: Guy 306-525-1553 Call or leave a message or text North Battleford Meetings on Mondays at 7:00 pm Cadet Rentals, 792 111th St. For more information, Contact: Byron at 306-480-2778 (cell) Nipawin Meetings: Mondays 7:00 pm-8:00 pm Via Zoom For more information, Contact: Julie at 306-715-7483 eMail: julietn@hotmail.com ​ Melfort Meetings: Wednesdays 7:00 pm-8:00 pm Location: 124 McKendry Avenue, Melfort, SK. For more information, Contact: Julie at 306-715-7483 eMail: julietn@hotmail.com ​ Tisdale Meetings on Sundays 7:00 pm-8:00 pm Tisdale Pentecostal Church, 717 100th St. For more information, Contact: Chris at 306-873-7513 La Ronge Meetings: Mondays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm via Zoom For more information, Contact: Julie at 306-715-7483 eMail: julietn@hotmail.com Swift Current Contact: Renee at 306-331-7295 Email: renay.marie@sasktel.net Operational Stress Injury/ PTSD Support Initiative “Resources for those who support country and community.” 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 --- 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, Persons who in the performance of their jobs are exposed to criminal acts of Trauma like Prosecutors as one example, 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. OSI-CAN is a program of: In Partnership with: With the Support of: