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Before starting your search for a mental health professional, it's important to be informed about your coverage and available services. Knowing your needs and what resources are accessible can help you take a proactive and preventative approach to your mental health care. Early intervention is key. 1.      Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) or Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) If your mental health treatment involves WCB or WSIB, your treatment costs may be covered. However, you'll need to follow specific procedures to ensure both you and your care provider meet the necessary qualifications for coverage. Stay in contact with your WCB/WSIB representative to understand any limitations or requirements. 2.      Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) EFAP often offers short-term, problem-focused support for mental health concerns. 3.      Extended Benefits Plan Your employer may offer coverage through a third-party insurer for additional mental health services. 4.      Combined Coverage Some employers provide both EFAP and extended benefits. It's important to remember that mental health professional fees may only be covered if specific guidelines are followed. For example, your benefits provider may require that services be provided by professionals with particular qualifications or credentials. Contact your Human Resources department or benefits provider to understand the details of your plan and coverage options when you need them.

In Canada, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Black Canadians across various fields, including in the realm of first responders. While the history of Black first responders in Canada may not be as extensively documented as in the United States, there have been significant contributions from Black Canadians in emergency response roles throughout history. In the early years of Canadian settlement, Black Canadians, including those who were formerly enslaved, played important roles in their communities, often serving as volunteer firefighters and providing assistance during emergencies. Despite facing discrimination and systemic barriers, Black Canadians have continued to serve as firefighters, police officers, , armed forces members, correctional officers, paramedics, and other first responders, contributing to the safety and well-being of their communities. Black Canadians have also made significant contributions to emergency response leadership and advocacy. In recent years, efforts have been made to increase diversity and representation within Canadian emergency response agencies, including initiatives aimed at recruiting and supporting Black first responders. Overall, Black Canadians have a rich history of service and resilience in the field of first response, and Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate and honor their contributions. Photo from https://www.ronfanfair.com/home/2024/2/26/t7yaur05az71axw0oyuu8idu1r6ea8 Brampton, Ontario's first Black Female Firefighter: Alex Betancourt https://www.sswrchamberofcommerce.ca/blog/chamber-blog-5387/post/the-story-of-andrea-lawrence-one-of-canada-s-first-black-female-rcmp-constables-35659 Andrea Lawrence, One of Canada's First Black Female RCMP Constables https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2023/07/major-retired-blizzard-inducted-into-canadian-medical-hall-of-fame.html Major (Retired) Stephen Blizzard, CD inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) June 2023

September is suicide awareness month and September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is important to commemorate such a time because that is how we bring attention to a serious issue. In 2020, 184 people completed suicide in Saskatchewan, 41 of them being between the ages of 20 and 29 years old. And it would not be a stretch to realize a great number of those 184 would be first responders dealing with the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. It is difficult for those in positions of authority to admit they are having difficulty with their mental health. Especially since having such issues known can have a negative affect on their career even though knowledge about such issues could enable them to be more effective in how they accomplish their duties. Once a frontline protector or first responder is able to once again provide focus on their duties, they are then able to become symbols of hope and resilience: 1. Acknowledging the Struggle: First responders are often seen as the embodiment of strength and resilience. However, it's essential to recognize that they are not immune to the mental and emotional toll their jobs can take. The constant exposure to trauma, the pressure to perform under extreme circumstances, and the burden of carrying the weight of others' lives on their shoulders can lead to overwhelming stress, anxiety, and depression. It's okay to admit that you're struggling; it's a sign of courage, not weakness. 2. Seeking Help is a Sign of Strength: As a first responder, seeking help might seem like an admission of vulnerability, but it's quite the opposite. It takes immense strength to acknowledge when you need assistance and to reach out for support. Whether it's talking to a therapist, a peer support group, or a trusted friend, opening up about your struggles can be the first step toward healing. 3. Prioritizing Self-Care: Just as you diligently care for the well-being of others, it's crucial to prioritize self-care. This includes not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep are foundational, but also remember the importance of hobbies, relaxation, and time with loved ones. Take breaks when needed; you deserve them. 4. Breaking the Stigma: One of the most significant obstacles to addressing the issue of suicide among first responders is the stigma surrounding mental health. It's time to break down these barriers and normalize conversations about mental well-being. By sharing your experiences and encouraging your colleagues to do the same, you can help create a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness. 5. Embracing Hope and Resilience: You chose a career that embodies courage and resilience. Despite the darkness that may sometimes cloud your path, remember that you are not alone in your journey. Thousands of first responders have faced similar challenges and emerged stronger. Your life is worth living, and there is hope even in the darkest moments. Conclusion: To our brave first responders, you are the people that society depends on. But you are also human, with your own struggles and vulnerabilities. By acknowledging your challenges, seeking help when needed, and prioritizing self-care, you can overcome the darkness that may surround you. Together, we can break the stigma, promote mental well-being, and ensure that our first responders not only save lives but also cherish their own. Your journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and your story can be a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles. Remember, there is a community that cares for you, and a future filled with light and purpose waiting for you to embrace. You are not alone, and your life is precious.

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.

There is hardly any research done on the specifics of taking care of personal responsibilities such as Budgeting and Personal Finances. When doing research on this subject, it was found that there is a condition referred to as Financial Trauma and Financial PTSD whereby the issues of finances caused sufficient stress to create PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). When speaking with Psychologists it is apparent that people with PTSD or Operational Stress Injury, tend to avoid the stress of personal finances. As a result, they have challenges with budgeting and financial planning of any kind and can be easily influenced into making poor decisions with the goal of getting out of stressful situations as quickly as possible. According to the symptoms of PTSD as described by Psychiatry.org, those dealing with PTSD tend to have symptoms of what could be described as alterations in arousal and reactivity. Essentially this is a tendency to get very emotionally reactive with fear or anger at things that are even slightly stressful which results in responses like avoidance which in the case of finances, would be not doing a budget or even discussing a budget with those who can help. However, there is hope that one can rebuild their life and their finances with therapy and time. A useful resource is an excel spreadsheet that helps to calculate budgets: https://www.mymoneycoach.ca/budgeting/budgeting-calculators-tools/budgeting-spreadsheet Chantel Chapman, co-founder of the Trauma of Money Method and founder of What The Finances, takes a trauma-informed approach to financial education and says it's crucial to look at financial trauma on both an individual and collective level (https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/signs-of-financial-trauma). According to the article there are four signs of financial trauma: Financial Avoidance - ranges from not opening bills to not taking calls from creditors or people who could help. Overspending - or compulsive spending which could include eating out constantly or making major purchases with money that goes against budget (like spending money meant for a mortgage or rent). Underspending - this is a lack of trust in spending money and avoids spending as much as possible. Lack of Boundaries - this lack of boundaries is that people will not negotiate for their own worth and effort or will not have clear boundaries of whose role is responsible for those same efforts. These signs could describe almost anyone with financial troubles but, they are especially problematic when someone with an Operational Stress Injury like PTSD is trying to heal and rebuild their life. Put these signs together with the symptoms of PTSD and you can end up with extreme cases of those same signs. The symptoms of PTSD include: Intrusion: Intrusive thoughts such as repeated, involuntary memories; distressing dreams; or flashbacks of the traumatic event. Flashbacks may be so vivid that people feel they are reliving the traumatic experience or seeing it before their eyes. Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event may include avoiding people, places, activities, objects and situations that may trigger distressing memories. People may try to avoid remembering or thinking about the traumatic event. They may resist talking about what happened or how they feel about it. Alterations in cognition and mood: Inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event, negative thoughts and feelings leading to ongoing and distorted beliefs about oneself or others (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted”); distorted thoughts about the cause or consequences of the event leading to wrongly blaming self or other; ongoing fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame; much less interest in activities previously enjoyed; feeling detached or estranged from others; or being unable to experience positive emotions (a void of happiness or satisfaction). Alterations in arousal and reactivity: Arousal and reactive symptoms may include being irritable and having angry outbursts; behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way; being overly watchful of one's surroundings in a suspecting way; being easily startled; or having problems concentrating or sleeping. (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd) OSI-CAN is a named project of the Canadian Mental Health Association SK Division. OSI-CAN is a free confidential, community based peer support initiative for currently serving and former military members, first responders, public safety personnel and their families. For more information, visit osicansk.ca You can also contact us at 306-552-3801 or toll free 888-495-6068 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!

Seek professional therapy and medical support If you’re not already receiving professional therapy and medical support for your PTSD, then it’s time to reach out now. Long-term recovery depends on a supportive network of trauma professionals. Effective therapy and treatment are also vital to maintaining healthy PTSD relationships. Learn about your PTSD What are your biggest triggers? What are your best ways to manage anxiety attacks, triggers and dissociative episodes? Learn what speciality PTSD treatments are available in your area and that might help your PTSD. And are there any new ideas about how to self-manage PTSD symptoms that you could investigate further? Address any substance abuse issues PTSD sufferers tend to have much higher rates of alcohol abuse and other substance abuse. While it might seem to help with your PTSD symptoms in the short-term, substance abuse will only have negative affects on your health and relationships long-term. Don’t let embarrassment stop you reaching out for help. Create daily habits to manage PTSD symptoms PTSD symptoms can be predicted at times, but more often than not there’ll be unexpected triggers or anxiety attacks. Regular healthy habits, such as mindfulness practice and exercise, can help manage PTSD symptoms. Therapists or psychologists can help you formulate a plan to work in with your lifestyle. Make the most of your good days PTSD is not a steady state. You already know you’ll have some good days, some great days, and some days when just getting out of bed is too much. Take advantage of those good days and teach yourself to truly live in the moment. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow isn’t here yet. Bad days will pass. And good days are here to be enjoyed. Connect with others who have PTSD Connecting with other PTSD sufferers can help you understand your condition and yourself better. It can be very supportive to talk with others who know first-hand what you’re dealing with. You may already be in a support group for people with PTSD. If not, try to find one in your area or search for an online community. https://thislifethismoment.com/ptsd-relationships/ 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 named project of the Canadian Mental Health Association SK Division. OSI-CAN is a free confidential, community based peer support initiative for currently serving and former military members, first responders, public safety personnel and their families. For more information, visit osicansk.ca You can also contact us at 306-552-3801 or toll free 888-495-6068

Christmas and OSI's like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex PTSD do not go together well. Combine that with it being winter and Seasonal Affective Disorder comes along to exacerbate the symptoms, and you have a serious potential for negative consequences on decision-making influenced by sadness, grief, and anger. OSI tends to cause people to cover their true feelings of anxiety and depression by showing a happy face. For those dealing with PTSD, Christmas becomes a painful period with the stress of working to cover up their pain and look 'normal'. The result when covering up feelings that isn't successful can be tears, rage, shame, fear, guilt, and panic. To deal with the Christmas season, you need to have the tools to plan out your strategy: Choose What You’ll Do Give yourself a sense of balance and control by making a plan, choose what you want to do or need to do then choose how long you have to or intend to be in that place. Create an Exit Strategy Not everything goes according to plan, and so you need a plan for before panic sets in. To stay calm and keep your mind at ease, having an exit strategy for when you have a panic attack or need a moment to breathe and calm down can help keep your calm. It’s not your job to keep everyone else happy To manage your PTSD with some effectiveness, remember that you need to develop a limit on your interactions and activities. You cannot keep everyone happy and so saying no and avoiding places and events that will set back your healing is not a bad thing. Be Realistic One person cannot attend every Christmas event over the holidays and should not be expected to. If you are getting overwhelmed, put yourself first and pull back on some commitments. You need self-compassion and need to take care of yourself. Get Some Alone Time Spending time alone isn't always just about avoiding stress, sometimes it is that time alone that can give you the energy to exist each day. Schedule time to be by yourself if your Christmas schedule is busy. Don’t Think Ahead Thinking about an event can add to the anxiety in one's mind, stick to thinking about one thing at a time as much as possible and one can have that much more of a chance at a peaceful mind this Christmas. 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 named project of the Canadian Mental Health Association SK Division. OSI-CAN is a free confidential, community based peer support initiative for currently serving and former military members, first responders, public safety personnel and their families. For more information, visit osicansk.ca You can also contact us at 306-552-3801 or toll free 888-495-6068

Build your knowledge of PTSD Have you heard that knowledge is power? It is, but only if you know how to apply it. Understanding more about post traumatic stress disorder will help you support your partner. You will have more empathy when their PTSD symptoms are triggered. And you will be better positioned to live in the moment together. Reach out for your own support Psychological trauma therapy is vital to successful ongoing management of PTSD. We know it helps the outcomes for both PTSD and PTSD relationships. However caregiver burden is common in PTSD relationships. And the supporter almost always benefits from having their own professional support too. Learn how to be supportive without enabling Everyone only wants the best for their loved one with PTSD. We hope that love will conquer all. But unfortunately love isn’t all it takes. And sometimes our love can lead us blindly into the vicious cycle of enabling. It’s so important to know the difference between supporting and enabling for the best balance in PTSD relationships. Set some healthy boundaries Creating boundaries might seem like a selfish thing to do. But without them, you’ll soon find yourself feeling angry, resentful or exhausted. Healthy boundaries are all about choosing to live according to your own core values. They are not about restricting or punishing your loved one. Make regular self-care a priority Caregivers are so accustomed to directing all their energy and attention towards their loved one, they often forget to look out for themselves. Self-care is about reserving some of that love and compassion for yourself. Allowing regular time for self-care not only restores your peace of mind, but keeps you healthy too. Connect with others in PTSD relationships Talking with other people on a similar journey can be very comforting. When you find and connect with others who truly get it, the relief and encouragement you gain is very valuable. You could find local support groups for PTSD partners, or search for communities online. https://thislifethismoment.com/ 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 named project of the Canadian Mental Health Association SK Division. OSI-CAN is a free confidential, community based peer support initiative for military members, first responders, public safety personnel and their families. For more information, visit osicansk.ca You can also contact us at 306-552-3801 or toll free 888-495-6068

If you’re struggling, then you’re not alone. Most people tend to struggle with PTSD relationships. Bad habits become ingrained. There can be a tendency to become complacent. And it can be very difficult to find good information that can guide us through with better ways to manage. You wouldn’t be the first one to get to this point and stop. The solutions might be there. They all sound perfectly logical. But it suddenly feels too overwhelming. And this PTSD relationship has already worn you thin. I mean, where would you even start? And what if it doesn’t work? Or, even worse, makes things more difficult? Don’t despair. There are two main points to keep in mind. Firstly, you cannot change everything at once. Choose just one issue or solution to work on, and let that be your single focus. Only once it’s working and feels instinctive should you move on to the next thing. Secondly, you cannot solve all the issues on your own. Remember, you’re just one part of this PTSD relationship. There’s plenty that a willing partner could be doing too. PTSD RELATIONSHIPS: Y O U R MINDSET Build your knowledge of PTSD Have you heard that knowledge is power? It is, but only if you know how to apply it. Understanding more about post traumatic stress disorder will help you support your partner. You will have more empathy when their PTSD symptoms are triggered. And you will be better positioned to live in the moment together. Reach out for your own support Psychological trauma therapy is vital to successful ongoing management of PTSD. We know it helps the outcomes for both PTSD and PTSD relationships. However caregiver burden is common in PTSD relationships. And the supporter almost always benefits from having their own professional support too. Learn how to be supportive without enabling Everyone only wants the best for their loved one with PTSD. We hope that love will conquer all. But unfortunately love isn’t all it takes. And sometimes our love can lead us blindly into the vicious cycle of enabling. It’s so important to know the difference between supporting and enabling for the best balance in PTSD relationships. Set some healthy boundaries Creating boundaries might seem like a selfish thing to do. But without them, you’ll soon find yourself feeling angry, resentful or exhausted. Healthy boundaries are all about choosing to live according to your own core values. They are not about restricting or punishing your loved one. Make regular self-care a priority Caregivers are so accustomed to directing all their energy and attention towards their loved one, they often forget to look out for themselves. Self-care is about reserving some of that love and compassion for yourself. Allowing regular time for self-care not only restores your peace of mind, but keeps you healthy too. Connect with others in PTSD relationships Talking with other people on a similar journey can be very comforting. When you find and connect with others who truly get it, the relief and encouragement you gain is very valuable. You could find local support groups for PTSD partners, or search for communities online. PTSD RELATIONSHIPS: T H E I R MINDSET Seek professional therapy and medical support If you’re not already receiving professional therapy and medical support for your PTSD, then it’s time to reach out now. Long-term recovery depends on a supportive network of trauma professionals. Effective therapy and treatment are also vital to maintaining healthy PTSD relationships. Learn about your PTSD What are your biggest triggers? What are your best ways to manage anxiety attacks, triggers and dissociative episodes? Learn what specialty PTSD treatments are available in your area and that might help your PTSD. And are there any new ideas about how to self-manage PTSD symptoms that you could investigate further? Address any substance abuse issues PTSD sufferers tend to have much higher rates of alcohol abuse and other substance abuse. While it might seem to help with your PTSD symptoms in the short-term, substance abuse will only have negative affects on your health and relationships long-term. Don’t let embarrassment stop you reaching out for help. Create daily habits to manage PTSD symptoms PTSD symptoms can be predicted at times, but more often than not there’ll be unexpected triggers or anxiety attacks. Regular healthy habits, such as mindfulness practice and exercise, can help manage PTSD symptoms. Therapists or psychologists can help you formulate a plan to work in with your lifestyle. Make the most of your good days PTSD is not a steady state. You already know you’ll have some good days, some great days, and some days when just getting out of bed is too much. Take advantage of those good days and teach yourself to truly live in the moment. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow isn’t here yet. Bad days will pass. And good days are here to be enjoyed. Connect with others who have PTSD Connecting with other PTSD sufferers can help you understand your condition and yourself better. It can be very supportive to talk with others who know first-hand what you’re dealing with. You may already be in a support group for people with PTSD. If not, try to find one in your area or search for an online community. https://thislifethismoment.com/ Stay tuned for our next installment where we are covering key issues of PTSD and Relationships!!

No matter the type of PTSD relationship you and your loved one may find yourselves in, most PTSD relationships will encounter a similar set of difficulties to manage. Some of these issues will become more pronounced in those people who are less accepting of their PTSD diagnosis or who remain largely untreated. And many of these problems can even arise within the relationship well before a formal diagnosis of PTSD is uncovered. You may be familiar with at least a few of the following struggles. Or perhaps you’ll tick of every last one. Don’t be discouraged. PTSD relationships can continue to thrive despite the daunting statistics and the many obstacles. 1. PTSD relationships deal with mental health stigma Many people still misunderstand PTSD. Our society is gradually becoming more accepting of some of the more common mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. However PTSD is much more than its associated depression and anxiety. Most people cannot comprehend the endless nightmares. Not many people have heard of disassociation. And our society is still very quick to blacklist anyone struggling with alcohol abuse. 2. PTSD relationships endure more anger Anger and aggression can be more prominent when the underlying anxiety of PTSD is not well managed. Anger or aggression becomes a means for the person to relieve the uncomfortable feeling of being anxious. In the same fashion, hypervigilance can also lead to increased anger and aggression. 3. PTSD relationships battle social withdrawal Phone calls may go unanswered and invitations might get turned down. People with PTSD will struggle with social interaction if their PTSD is not adequately managed. Most PTSD relationships will ultimately feel the effects of this social withdrawal and isolation. 4. PTSD relationships often struggle with intimacy PTSD can affect emotional connection and libido. This is largely due to the associated symptoms of anxiety and depression. Your loved one can also be adversely affected by their PTSD medications. Additionally, you may have built up resentment and anger over time towards your PTSD partner, which also contributes to ongoing struggles with intimacy. 5. PTSD relationships deal with poor quality sleep Your loved one will likely be struggling with nightmares and bouts of insomnia. You might struggle to keep similar sleep routines as each other. Your partner’s nightmares may continuously disturb your own sleep. And your sleep quality may also be affected by side-effects of your partner’s PTSD medication. 6. PTSD relationships can induce feelings of guilt Children, particularly, take on the burden of PTSD in a family setting. They might assume that their own behaviour is the cause of their parent’s PTSD symptoms. Spouses may feel guilty for not being able to help their partner heal. And spouses can also feel guilty for wanting to get on with their own life. 7. PTSD relationships may be troubled by financial insecurity If your partner’s PTSD is a result of their line of work, then it follows that their career may end abruptly. This leads to financial instability due to a reduced capacity to work or ability to move into a new field. Your income may also reduce as you take more time to care for your loved one. And private or additional costs for therapy and treatment will add to financial burden within a PTSD relationship. 8. PTSD relationships can lead to associated trauma A loved one may develop secondary post traumatic stress when they learn more about their partner’s traumatic experiences. Secondary post traumatic stress symptoms generally mimic PTSD. Therapists, trauma workers and caregivers are at risk of vicarious trauma, which is also known as compassion fatigue. 9. PTSD relationships become complicated by enabling In a PTSD relationship, we only want what is best for our loved one with PTSD. We want to support them, and we want to care for them. But many people fall into the cycle of enabling instead of supporting. Because, ultimately, enabling can look very much like love. 10. PTSD relationships can lead to caregiver burden Most partners automatically and unwittingly fall into the role of caregiver. But being a caregiver is an emotionally draining and physically tiring task. Caregivers must learn how to keep themselves healthy, both physically and emotionally, or they’ll be at risk of caregiver burnout. 11. PTSD relationships must manage an uncertain future A diagnosis of PTSD often leads to a loss of identity. It can mean the end of a career. Your own career and family focus may also be impacted. Everything suddenly feels like it’s been turned upside down. Without a clear direction, it can feel like you’re trapped in limbo for years. 12. PTSD relationships should NEVER be abusive Abuse can occur in many different forms. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, sexual abuse, and financial abuse can all emerge within a PTSD relationship. But PTSD is never an excuse for abusive or immoral behaviour. If you find yourself tolerating abusive or immoral behaviour because of your partner’s PTSD, then seek help now. https://thislifethismoment.com/ Stay tuned for our next installment where we are covering key issues of PTSD and Relationships!!