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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.

The following is a statement from Recovery Innovations located out of Phoenix, AZ.: “When peers begin to work in the mental health system, recovery is accelerated in three ways. ● The peer’s own recovery is strengthened. ● The peer helps others recover. ● The peers help the agency and/or the system recover as a SHARED EXPERIENCE GIFTS THAT ARE THE FRUIT OF A LIVED EXPERIENCE ● First, there is a sense of gratitude that is manifested in compassion and commitment. ● Second, there is an insight into the experience of internalized stigma. ● Third, peers address the “you do not know what it’s like” feeling in their peers. ● Fourth, they have had the experience of moving from hopelessness to hope. ● Fifth, they are in a unique position to develop a relationship of trust with their peers. ● Sixth, they have developed the gift of monitoring their illness and managing their lives holistically, both mind and body. The above was taken from Prairies to Peaks Consulting, Inc. 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.

Someone with an OSI (Operational Stress Injury) such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), depending on the symptoms and severity, will have strong difficulties in completing an addictions program when they could be suffering flashbacks from their triggering memory in the middle of a healing session focused on addictions. Attending a group addictions session would be almost painful for someone who is triggered by large groups and emotional outbursts. These are just two potential examples of why you cannot just treat one problem without treating the other because a person seeking help for their OSI would have any number of PTSD therapies disrupted by their addictions … drinking alcohol is a common method used by people with an OSI to self-medicate and cope with their symptoms even though it is neither effective nor helpful. If someone is inebriated and having traumatic flashbacks, they do not have the same control of their environment that they would if they were sober. Breathing techniques and logic do not present themselves as options to those who are inebriated. So the question remains, which do we treat first? The answer is something that comes from time, effort and assessment. There are places that are equipped to deal with both but may require an adaptable program to deal with the issues. A person going through OSI therapy at the same time as addictions therapy may not be in a place for OSI therapy sessions until their addictions have been dealt with, etc. We cannot forget the ‘Why’ of beating addictions down. We all want full lives and be surrounded by happier people, at least in theory. Those you love and that love you want all of you, and addictions takes a lot of a person away from their loved ones. Let us help you find treatment! 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, know that a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help. Places you can go for more information: HOW ADDICTION HIJACKS THE BRAIN https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain.htm ALCOHOLISM AND ALCOHOL ABUSE https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/alcoholism-and-alcohol-abuse.htm DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/drug-abuse-and-addiction.htm SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/substance-abuse-and-mental-health.htm GAMBLING ADDICTION AND PROBLEM GAMBLING Sk.cmha.ca/programs-services/gambling https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/gambling-addiction-and-problem-gambling.htm ADDICTIONS COUNSELLING FOR FREE FOR THOSE WITH NON-OPERATIONAL PTSD University of Regina Online Therapy Onlinetherapyuser.ca > Go to the COURSES tab -The Wellbeing Course aims to provide free education and guidance on simple but effective cognitive behavioural techniques for managing depression and/or anxiety. The Course helps people with thoughts, behaviours, and physical symptoms of depression and anxiety. There are also many extra lessons available depending on client needs/interests and time: sleep, communication, assertiveness, problem-solving, managing beliefs, mental skills, managing panic, PTSD, worry, grief, and pain. -The Alcohol Change Course | Online Therapy Unit (onlinetherapyuser.ca) Places you can go for Addictions treatment (that are equipped for PTSD), either Outpatient or Inpatient: In Regina – Susan Ulmer Addiction Services https://susanulmer.ca/ In Saskatoon or via Zoom (Outpatient only) · https://possibilitiesrecovery.ca/ OSI-CAN provides support groups led by those with lived experience! For more information go to www.osicansk.ca 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.

OSI-CAN provides Peer Support Groups for our target demographic; Currently serving and former members of the military, RCMP, and all Public Safety Personnel. Operational Stress Injuries can occur when a person directly experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This can also happen with repeated exposure to traumatic situations and details. Listen to Tom, a Peer Support Leader, about this: Having been through Peer Support myself and now as a Peer Supporter, I can say that the experience of being in a Peer Support meeting is very low pressure. After all, you are already feeling enough pressure on yourself as it is while dealing with an OSI. Even attending a meeting without speaking is known to be helpful to your mental health and it took quite a while before I trusted the people in the group so I didn’t say anything until I felt comfortable. Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others. (https://peersupportcanada.ca/) Peer support is recognized and highly valued as an integrated component of the mental health system, accessible to all individuals and family members affected by mental health challenges and illness. Our peer support certification is designed for individuals with lived experience of a mental health and/or addiction challenge or mental illness who are supporting others with a mental health and/or addiction challenge or mental illness. (https://peersupportcanada.ca/) For Further Detail: Read up on PTSD or OSI in the OSI-CAN Manual 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.

What is the best treatment for symptoms of trauma? Despite what has been published and repeated by many people in the field of mental health, there is no one treatment for trauma that is better than the others. Research conducted over the last 30 years consistently demonstrates that the approaches used in treating people with trauma symptoms share core active ingredients. These most important components of successful therapy are feeling respected, feeling safe, and working with someone who listens and who works on clients’ priorities. Secondly, what is important is helping clients with tools and techniques to self regulate and providing information on trauma, and how it affects the brain, sleep, concentration, and daily functioning. Even non-specific therapy approaches have been found to be equally effective to special trauma approaches. Psychodynamic, person-centered Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, etc. have been found equally effective in working with trauma compared to exposure-based therapies, cognitive processing therapy, and others. Additional therapies are Hypnosis, Meditation and EMDR. If many different therapy approaches offered by a variety of mental health professionals can be helpful to me, how can I make sure to find a good therapist? The more current approach in determining helpful service providers is focusing on competency. A competent Mental Health professional offering counseling therapy is trained in the area they provide a service in. This means that most of the professionals that may be a good fit are trained in trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, addiction, and other areas of mental health. Most of the specialized training is obtained through professional development courses after graduation. However, the best predictor of a good therapy outcome is the therapy relationship and the therapist’s ability to adapt psychotherapy to the preferences of the client. This means that the best therapy is individualized to the needs of the client. There is no one approach that fits all, and manualized approaches are not sufficient. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is exactly that “the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics” (American Psychological Association, 2006). Where to find a therapist who is a good fit? When looking for a good psychotherapist, you can go on the Internet and type in some referral sources such as Psychology Today. What you can do is look for people who list trauma as an area they are trained in. Most private practitioners have a website. Look up more information and if you have questions that are not answered on their website, feel free to send an email. Ask them how long their waitlist is, ask them the fee for service, and if not stated on the website ask them about insurance and benefits. A good therapist will have no issues with answering questions. One core component of ethical health service provision is “informed consent”. This means that clients have the right to ask questions and to feel confident about the choices they make regarding their health. After all, the service is for you and the quality of the therapeutic relationship is a core ingredient of successful therapy. Relationship building starts right there, finding a person whom you feel comfortable with, and who is open to listening to your feedback. For Further Detail: Read up on PTSD or OSI in the OSI-CAN Manual 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.

PTSD Trauma and Personal Finances, are they linked? Let’s listen to Robert, a First Responder: “In my recovery from PTSD, I have had my finances severely impacted. I had to leave a decently paying job due to my becoming a danger to myself and others as well as the fact that it was that occupation that caused my PTSD … this is what makes it an Occupational Stress Injury or OSI. I also now avoid things that are stressful, and that includes contacting debtors about the money I owe them. When dealing with debt it is best to talk to those you owe in order to make arrangements that allow one to pay back those same debts while still maintaining a home and begin rebuilding a positive lifestyle. While researching to see if there has been a link discovered between financial stress and PTSD I discovered a trend towards forming a hypothesis called Financial PTSD. This is not the same thing as what I am trying to discuss, the theory of Financial PTSD is PTSD created because of bad finances, not the other way around … so don’t get these confused. PTSD is recorded as causing poor decision-making and poor responses to further stress. The link between PTSD and Financial stress is the basis of what I am talking about, my finances were improving once I had found my job as a Correctional Officer as my income was improved by my work and all the overtime I was being paid for. I had paid off several debts because of my income and was on my way to paying off even more. But then I experienced the incidents that caused my PTSD and during my recovery I was left in a position where I was either stuck with an income determined by disability insurance or worker’s compensation insurance. This was at least an income I could budget around but when I went into a job that was also stressful and at least paid me my base wage from my old job in Corrections, I was able to maintain a good budget … but I couldn’t maintain that job due to the stress involved and was no longer receiving either the income or the health benefits that paid for my psychological therapies. And for nearly a year I was trying to survive with no income, causing severe stress around financial concerns like being able to pay my mortgage and provide my family with a home. Now I am in a decent job that doesn’t have a stress level where I feel like my job stress is trying to kill me, however I still have to pay back those debts I incurred. It may not be scientific but I can attest to the fact that PTSD and mental health are inexorably linked to financial stress. I was able to find some resources that shows the effects of PTSD on finances, such as https://moneysavedmoneyearned.com/effects-of-trauma-on-personal-finance/ that point to trauma as having a strong effect on personal financial decision-making and the compounding of stress rather than the compounding of interest: “Trauma is the silent epidemic running throughout our country and the world. It is insidious and impacts everything you do. The effects of trauma on personal finance is similarly poignant”. But it is not hopeless, we can dig our way out of this … at the most extreme of options is bankruptcy but we may not need to take it that far. What I needed was an uncomfortable but logical assessment of my finances. The biggest thing is to create a budget, that way you know what you can promise to pay back when you do have an income. For me this involved using a spreadsheet programmed to calculate finances and form a budget! Check out the financial calculator for free at https://www.mymoneycoach.ca/budgeting/budgeting-calculators-tools/budgeting-spreadsheet. It not only helps to create a budget but it also shows how putting all your payments together into a calculator spreadsheet can allow you to see if there are ways to pay off your debts. I myself use this spreadsheet first with my own information and bill payments to figure out how I am doing financially and it calculates how much of my income is being committed to my bills. To my surprise I was paying more bills than I have the income to pay … the next step is hard because that involves communicating with my wife about how much she makes and what bills she is paying. Finances are the cause of many fights between couples but here is where therapy comes in to play! I don’t mean couples therapy, I mean learning tools for how to communicate again with your immediate family … not an easy task I have to say but it is needed. Once again, PTSD’s effects become linked to personal finances. Paying down my debts is going to take me some time and sacrifice but I can do it, and in my PTSD recovery I know that now! If you are struggling, there are people who can help. Call us at OSI-CAN and we may be able to point you to someone, and at the very least we can find you help for your PTSD and help find you a way to pay for it while you are struggling!” https://newprairiepress.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1174&context=jft 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 and other related professions. 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 in and support volunteer first responders as they are not eligible for programs such as Workers' Compensation.

Hollywood: Ariana Grande Shia LaBeouf Mick Jagger Monica Seles Charlize Theron Clint Malarchuk Canadian soldiers open about their PTSD: Romeo Dallaire https://www.macleans.ca/culture/books/inside-romeo-dallaires-brutally-revealing-new-memoir/ Stéphane Grenier https://stephanegrenier.com/ https://globalnews.ca/invisible-wounds/1203097/invisible-wounds-master-corporal-jonathan-woolvett/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/sheldon-roberts-ptsd-1.4597443 Canadian First Responders open about their PTSD: Nick Hennink https://pscs.ca/news/item/508-congratulations-to-nicholas-hennink-2020-pac-paramedic-of-the-year Natalie Harris https://globalnews.ca/news/1782846/live-chat-first-responders-and-ptsd/ Up to 32% of Canadians in high-risk groups such as military, police and paramedics will suffer from PTSD in their lifetimes. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/families-of-military-and-first-responders-living-with-post-traumatic-stress-pts-often-struggle-without-enough-support-817939532.html 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. 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. ​ 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.

Abuse can be very difficult subject to talk about whether it is domestic abuse or spousal or any number of conditions. Regardless of whether a person’s behaviour is due to mental illness, abuse is serious. Abuse can happen to anyone, it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, it doesn’t make you weak and it is not your fault … Abuse is wrong. A person going through an Occupational Stress Injury (OSI) can be amongst the reasons for why someone is abused or is the abuser. Not everyone with an OSI will be an abuser nor does that mean they will become the victim of abuse but either way abuse is wrong and actions must be taken to stop it. People who are abused tend to blame themselves for the abuse or feel they can change the conditions. It needs to be clear that abuse is not the victim’s fault, and that victims needs to get away from that situation as soon as they can. In the case of when the OSI such as PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the cause of abusive behaviours, the person suffering from the OSI needs to take responsibility for his or her actions. And the victims need to take action to get away from those behaviours. What is domestic violence and abuse? When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on domestic violence. But domestic abuse includes any attempt by one person in a marriage or intimate relationship to dominate and control the other. Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you. An abuser doesn’t “play fair.” An abuser uses fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and keep you under their thumb. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone; it does not discriminate. Abuse happens within heterosexual relationships and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more often victimized, men also experience abuse—especially verbal and emotional. The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether from a man, woman, teenager, or an older adult. You deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe. (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse.htm) It needs to be understood that OSI-CAN is not an agency for abuse victims or abusers, we exist to help in the recovery of people suffering through an OSI such as PTSD. If an OSI such as PTSD is a part of your issues that need to be addressed, then we are here to help you. If you or someone you know is suffering through an abusive relationship, then we can help refer to appropriate agencies for that kind of help … but that help cannot end with our referral. Behaviours have to be addressed just as much as the causes of that behaviour. And if you are looking to help someone in an abusive relationship … (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse.htm )o’s and Don’ts D Don’t: Ask if something is wrong Wait for the person to come to you Express your concern Blame or judge them Listen and validate Pressure them to act Offer to help Give advice Support their decisions Place conditions on your support 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. Resources: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/anger-management.htm ABUSE o HELP FOR MEN § https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/help-for-abused-men.htm o HELP FOR WOMEN § https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/help-for-abused-and-battered-women.htm o DOMESTIC VIOLENCE § https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse.htm · LOVING AN ANGRY PERSON http://lynnenamka.com/anger-management/anger-management-articles/love-angry-person/ 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.

At OSI-CAN we frequently get calls from parents or other family members asking how they can help their spouse or son or daughter or close friend who is suffering from an OSI. It is difficult to help someone who may not yet be ready to accept help. When someone you care about suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, it can be overwhelming. But with these steps, you can help your loved one move on with their life. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/helping-someone-with-ptsd.htm 1. Helping someone with PTSD tip 1: Provide social support a. Don’t pressure your loved one into talking. b. Do “normal” things with your loved one c. Let your loved one take the lead d. Manage your own stress. e. Be patient. f. Educate yourself about PTSD. g. Accept (and expect) mixed feelings. 2. Tip 2: Be a good listener a. A person with PTSD may need to talk about the traumatic event over and over again. b. Some of the things your loved one tells you might be very hard to listen to. c. Communication pitfalls to avoid i. Don’t… 1. Give easy answers or blithely tell your loved one everything is going to be okay. 2. Stop your loved one from talking about their feelings or fears. 3. Offer unsolicited advice or tell your loved one what they “should” do. 4. Blame all of your relationship or family problems on your loved one’s PTSD. 5. Invalidate, minimize, or deny your loved one’s traumatic experience 6. Give ultimatums or make threats or demands. 7. Make your loved one feel weak because they aren’t coping as well as others. 8. Tell your loved one they were lucky it wasn’t worse. 9. Take over with your own personal experiences or feelings. 3. Tip 3: Rebuild trust and safety a. Express your commitment to the relationship. b. Create routines. c. Minimize stress at home d. Speak of the future and make plans. e. Keep your promises f. Speak of the future and make plans g. Keep your promises. h. Emphasize your loved one’s strengths. i. Look for ways to empower your loved one. 4. Tip 4: Anticipate and manage triggers a. Common external PTSD triggers i. Sights, sounds, or smells associated with the trauma. ii. People, locations, or things that recall the trauma. iii. Significant dates or times, such as anniversaries or a specific time of day. iv. Nature (certain types of weather, seasons, etc.). v. Conversations or media coverage about trauma or negative news events. vi. Situations that feel confining (stuck in traffic, at the doctor’s office, in a crowd). vii. Relationship, family, school, work, or money pressures or arguments. viii. Funerals, hospitals, or medical treatment. b. Common internal PTSD triggers i. Physical discomfort, such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, sickness, and sexual frustration. ii. Any bodily sensation that recalls the trauma, including pain, old wounds and scars, or a similar injury. iii. Strong emotions, especially feeling helpless, out of control, or trapped. iv. Feelings toward family members, including mixed feelings of love, vulnerability, and resentment. 5. Tip 5: Deal with volatility and anger a. Decide with your loved one how you should respond when they have a nightmare, flashback, or panic attack. Having a plan in place will make the situation less scary for both of you. i. You’ll also be in a much better position to help your loved one calm down. b. Watch for signs that your loved one is angry. c. Try to remain calm. d. Give the person space. e. Ask how you can help. f. Put safety first, both for yourself and for your loved one. g. Help your loved one manage their anger. 6. Tip 6: Support treatment a. Emphasize the benefits. b. Focus on specific problems. c. Acknowledge the hassles and limitations of therapy. d. Enlist help from people your loved one respects and trusts. e. Encourage your loved one to join a support group. 7. Tip 7: Take care of yourself a. Take care of your physical needs b. Cultivate your own support system. c. Make time for your own life. d. Spread the responsibility. e. Set boundaries. 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 Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help! 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. ​ 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.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Resilience means being able to adapt to life's misfortunes and setbacks. ... If you lack resilience, you might dwell on problems, feel victimized, become overwhelmed or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse. The American Psychological Association or APA describes what resilience isn’t: “Being resilient doesn’t mean that a person won’t experience difficulty or distress. People who have suffered major adversity or trauma in their lives commonly experience emotional pain and stress. In fact, the road to resilience is likely to involve considerable emotional distress. While certain factors might make some individuals more resilient than others, resilience isn’t necessarily a personality trait that only some people possess. On the contrary, resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that anyone can learn and develop. The ability to learn resilience is one reason research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary. One example is the response of many Americans to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and individuals’ efforts to rebuild their lives after tragedy. Like building a muscle, increasing your resilience takes time and intentionality. Focusing on four core components—connection, wellness, healthy thinking, and meaning—can empower you to withstand and learn from difficult and traumatic experiences. To increase your capacity for resilience to weather—and grow from—the difficulties, use these strategies.” In fact, there is a term called ‘Post Traumatic Growth’ where people who have suffered from great trauma have actually grown from that experience and became strong proponents of health and even wisdom regarding mental and even physical health. According to Pacesconnection.com, there are four factors to developing Post-Traumatic growth, and these are factors that everyone should be able to understand: · Brutally Honest Optimism - Optimism reduces our sense of helplessness when things feel out of control. It also allows motivates us to take constructive action. However, this is not the Pollyanna, unicorns and rainbows, “everything’s going to be okay” brand of optimism (although we often need to hear that everything’s going to be okay even if we don’t really believe it). · Perception of Control Over Events - No one likes being stuck in limbo. If there’s something you can do, even if it’s to channel your anxiety by cleaning the kitchen floor or to offer a tissue to someone in distress, we all feel better when we can take action. What makes an experience traumatic is that we were not able to control the circumstances that led to us being harmed in some way. Recovery is about regaining control. 1. Primary control is taking action to change a situation, for example by reporting a sexual assault. 2. Secondary control is changing your orientation to a situation. For many people, this can be finding meaning and purpose in the aftermath of trauma, such as by using their experiences to help others. One of the most glorious aspects of post-traumatic growth is learning how to become empowered. Once you’ve decided that you will advocate for yourself and take steps to keep yourself safe, you no longer identify as a victim but as a survivor who is strong and in control of his/her life · Coping Style - What is your coping style? Do you immediately start problem solving and planning (active coping) or do you head out to the movies to escape into a fantasy world (avoidance coping)? Both approaches can be helpful, but avoidance is only good for giving yourself a break short-term – long term it turns into denial, which takes a toll on your body and prevents you from ever truly living in the present because you are so busy stuffing down your past. The type of coping style that is the best predictor of post-traumatic growth is ‘acceptance and positive reinterpretation.’ This is characterized by optimism and humor. ‘Keep calm and carry on’ does not speak to me of my British compatriots’ stoicism during World War II but of the ability to crack jokes even as the sirens are wailing. For Correctional Officers, this is often shown in the dark humour found when CO’s are amongst each other! · Strong Sense of Self - Having a strong sense of self depends on having a purpose in life, high self-esteem, and being able to create a coherent narrative. Without being able to make sense of our story, we cannot integrate it, learn from it, or get a distance from it. As Daniel Siegel points out, a coherent narrative prevents us from unconsciously repeating the lack of connection we experienced with our parents in our relationship with our own children. A strong sense of self is also predicated on ‘ego strength.’ What is that and how do you get it? I think Erik Erikson provided the best answer in his description of the stages of human development. I will leave you with his theory, which reads to me like a poem about how to raise healthy children: Hope emerges from trust versus mistrust Will from autonomy versus shame and doubt Purpose from initiative versus guilt Competence from industry versus inferiority Loyalty from identity versus identity confusion Love from intimacy versus isolation Care from generativity [contribution] versus stagnation Wisdom from integrity versus despair Trust Vs Mistrust is a developmental stage where experiences determine a child’s development, if the care the infant receives is consistent, predictable and reliable, they will develop a sense of trust which will carry with them to other relationships, and they will be able to feel secure even when threatened. In adults, once we lose that consistency and reliability in our lives, Hope becomes a difficult thing to see until we regain a future we can envision as hopeful again. Once again bringing in a perception of control over events. 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! 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.

This topic surfaced a couple of weeks ago during our Peer Support Meeting. The discussion was in setting realistic goals each day. The focus was making sure the goal was achievable. It didn’t matter how small the goal but it could be done. It might be getting up at a certain time. It might be to step outside for a short time. It might be having a shower to start your day, having a bubble bath or washing the dishes. In this way the process begins to build self-worth and confidence. This leads to creating slivers of HOPE. Quite awhile ago one of the members talked about creating positives by viewing things as half-full as opposed to half empty. This direction is what Peer Support is all about and the Road to Recovery. What does this mean to you? 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.

Unconditional support is similar to unconditional love. We love our kids and as they grow and become young adults, then adults we often don’t agree with some of their decisions but our love is steadfast. Peer Support is similar, it doesn’t matter about our background, everyone is equal around the table and we are all there to provide our support to each other. How often when meeting someone for the first time, a protocol of talking about things of general interest takes place. The conversation then graduates into other areas of mutual interest and a comfort zone begins to be established. It is at that point a more personal conversation begins. Peer Support provides a safe zone, an area where no one is judgemental as we have all been there to varying degrees. Peer Support derives its power from the group. 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.