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Always open with a joke … Ever hear about the toilet that suffered from PTSD? They told their therapist they've seen some #$%^. Humour is a major part of learning to cope. It is difficult to smile or enjoy a joke while you are in the middle of a trigger but it is important to find humour in the rest of your life. Don’t rush it, take your time. Just know that when you are able to enjoy a joke even a little, you are beginning to really heal. Here is some perspective on dark humour from Psychology Today: “We’ve all heard phrases like: we laugh lest we cry; laughter is the best medicine; nothing can withstand the assault of laughter. Laughter has long been considered therapeutic and studies demonstrate that in the face of stress, comedy is a more effective coping strategy than seriousness. And if you’ve ever spent any time around the military, you’ve likely heard a joke or two. Okay, more than two. Culturally, military members turn often to "gallows humor" or "black humor" to handle the stress of the job. Irreverent reverence is standard operating procedure and the most colorful black humor arises in the direst situations. Black humor is best described as the kind of humor that treats threatening or disturbing subjects (i.e. death, combat, disease, deformity) with levity or amusement. This humor is typically employed to somehow convey the absurdity, illogicality, or helplessness of a situation. In essence, it juxtaposes a morbid element with a farcical one”. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-debrief/201805/awful-joke-can-feel-pretty-good The article then described how using ‘Black Humour’, a therapist opened the door for one soldier who could then open up about his experiences because of the joke. Cracking a joke just may be what keeps you from cracking up yourself! 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.

Remembrance Day is an important day for Veterans as we perform in the ceremonies to remember those who have fallen and those who are still here … But for those with an OSI there comes a multitude of emotions for the entire month. Remembering those who are not there anymore, feeling guilty or emotional about the pain of attending the ceremony amongst a large grouping of people or guilt for not attending at all in order to avoid that pain, feeling emotions related to surviving when others did not, and a host of other reasons. The following article describes how many Veterans end up going through so many issues in November that many take a lot of time in October to steel themselves for the pain in November. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/remembrance-day-challenging-for-mental-health-1.6237413 The effects of an OSI cause difficulty for those working to recover from it, especially during the month of November. Knowing this difficulty is not necessarily half the battle as opposed to what they used to say, knowing the problem is coming can be an opportunity to take action to deal with the coming emotions but for many it is a time that is dreaded. Many Veterans end up in crisis during this month be it a crisis of finances, emotions, relationships, or more. Dealing with this time of crisis can be helped by calling for help from any number of resources that are available: 24/7 Crisis / Suicide Hotline: 1-833-456-4566, contacting the Legion www.legion.ca, and there is of course the resources available through OSI-CAN. 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 people who are licensed to diagnose are psychiatrists and registered psychologists who have the designation APE behind their name. An Authorized Practice Endorsement (APE) is required to communicate a psychological diagnosis in Saskatchewan.​ Do I need a formal diagnosis of PTSD to receive counseling therapy? No, people who suffer from symptoms related to one or more traumatic events may not meet the full diagnostic criteria of PTSD. If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of an OSI/PTSD then seeking help now can mitigate further injury which means counselling is a reasonable option. Here are some of the symptoms of an OSI (Operational Stress Injury): Intrusive Memories Avoidance Negative changes in thinking and mood Changes in physical and emotional reactions Intensity of symptoms Suicidal ideation 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 and the holidays For those with post-traumatic stress disorder, the holiday period can cause a lot of stress and may result in exposure to the common PTSD triggers. One of the main risks for PTSD sufferers over the holiday season is the tendency for group gatherings with family and friends. Dec. 9, 2019 https://www.ptsdgroup.com/ptsd-during-the-holidays/#:~:text=For%20those%20with%20post%2Dtraumatic,gatherings%20with%20family%20and%20friends. For me it is those same get-togethers that cause my stress to send me overboard. And to my family it looks as though I am ungrateful and dismissive of family. But nothing could be further from the truth. Pay attention to your feelings when this holiday comes on, they may help keep you sane. During recovery you will gain new skills that allow you to be around others during the holidays and avoiding family will not always be necessary. 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.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Happy wife, Happy life!”? For me that meant not bringing home the stories about work and just listening to her day rather than discussing mine … turns out this was just pushing pause on the issues from my PTSD. It turns out I was resenting every minute that I wasn’t being heard but still couldn’t bring my issues home because in some cases it involved either subjects I didn’t want heard or known about or in some cases the information involved privacy considerations that I felt the general public did not need to know or couldn’t know. Keeping these things bottled up also led to me bottling up other issues I was going through even though they were causing painful situations within myself. Today I am more aware of what I was going through than I was back then. To understand some of the effects that PTSD had on my relationship with my wife and my family and my friends, I look to resources for perspective and help like the United States Veterans Affairs website as they discuss PTSD and relationships: “In the first weeks and months following a trauma, survivors may feel angry, detached, tense or worried in their relationships. In time, most are able to resume their prior level of closeness in relationships. Yet the 5% to 10% of survivors who develop PTSD may have lasting relationship problems.” (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/effect_relationships.asp). This study that is discussed in this article doesn’t just focus on American veterans but rather it discusses Trauma in many of its forms, though it is somewhat limited in which traumas it will discuss: “Trauma Types and Relationships Certain types of "man-made" traumas can have a more severe effect on relationships. These traumas include: · Childhood sexual and physical abuse · Rape · Domestic violence · Combat · Terrorism · Genocide · Torture · Kidnapping · Prisoner of war Survivors of man-made traumas often feel a lasting sense of terror, horror, endangerment, and betrayal. These feelings affect how they relate to others. They may feel like they are letting down their guard if they get close to someone else and trust them. This is not to say a survivor never feels a strong bond of love or friendship. However, a close relationship can also feel scary or dangerous to a trauma survivor.” (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/effect_relationships.asp) For myself, I was a Corrections Officer here in Canada and my traumas were in situations that pale before others but they were what affected me. They could be termed as a form of ‘combat’ but do not describe what would have been seen in wartime conditions. I won’t go into specifics here as that could be triggering for some readers. What I want to discuss is relationships. My own family outside my immediate family sees me very rarely as I cannot seem to place myself in amongst people whether they be groups of family or not. My own mother has trouble understanding why being amongst family is almost painful these days as all I feel is anxiety and hypervigilance at a reunion or wedding, etc. And my sister sees me as a poor brother because I only communicate by text. I need to get past these tendencies but that is what therapy is for!! Just know that you are not alone in having relationship issues!! And that there is help! 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.

It can be rewarding to help a loved one heal, but you cannot help others if you do not do anything to help yourself! If someone you care for has an Occupational/Operational Stress Injury (OSI) like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and you are working as hard as you can to maintain that relationship, then we recommend you make some efforts for yourself. 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 has resources available for you as well as for the one suffering from an OSI. One of these resources is a Peer Support Group for Spouses and Adult Friends of those with an OSI. Additionally, we have other resources listed on our webpage such as the following: o PREVENTING BURNOUT § https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/preventing-burnout o CAREGIVER STRESS AND BURNOUT § https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiving-stress-and-burnout.htm · EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE o TOOL BOX OF SUGGESTIONS § https://www.helpguide.org/emotional-intelligence-toolkit/index.htm MARITAL OR RELATIONSHIP STRATEGIES o https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404628/ § Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy for PTSD § PTSD FAMILY COACH http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/materials/apps/PTSDFamilyCoach.asp 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 below noted is for the purpose of creating a dialogue internally within ourselves or during a support group meeting. AM I ALONE? How often have I felt that even with family and friends around me, a part of me isn’t there? It’s a distant feeling and yet for the most part it is one that is never far away. Since each one of us is different this can seem a minor irritation or one that presents a struggle to maintain balance. In the context of Peer Support, everyone has a shared experience that bridges occupations where Occupational Stress Injury is a factor. Whether a person comes from a military background or in the field of being a first responder. We are all equals. The experiences are different but the impact is the same. Many times not only is the support in listening but in sharing of experiences in a positive way. The Peer Support concept is based on support. To initiate Recovery we need to be able to control our comfort zones and move forward at our own pace. “Am I alone” begs the question “Do I need to feel alone” and the answer is NO without question. The terms must be set individually to our own needs with a little bit of support from those who have shared experience. Peer Support provides a path to better cope and moves forward even though it might be small steps.

Question: How does this relate to OSI-CAN and PEER Support? Peer Support along with all the Clinical Support hopefully provides a new reference point, a new start, even though it may begin with baby steps. We all have individual starting points and how we move forward is the key. I know in my personal life it is easy to get stuck at the Y in the road. To me that decision to move left or right is the difficult part. Once I make that decision based on all the pluses and minuses, along with other common-sense factors I am able to move forward. Prairies to Peaks provides a template. FIVE STEPS TO PROBLEM SOLVING … A problem is a situation or set of conditions that are preventing you from doing what you want to do. PROBLEM: Clearly identify and state the problem IMPACT: Identify how you are impacting the problem COST/BENEFIT: Explore the pros and cons of solving the problem BRAINSTORM: Come up with 3-5 ways to address the problem ACTION: Pick 1-2 ways to begin to address the problem and create an action plan HOPE. The belief that you have the ability, the opportunity and the supports to engage in the recovery process and develop your meaning and purpose in life. These are weekly topics that can be considered prior to our group meeting. It is meant to be available as a topic of discussion during the group meeting or for someone physically unable to attend the meeting but available to discuss via text, phone or just simple reflection. Peer Support Group Leader, Leigh

On a personal reflection. I found occasionally I drifted on the ‘what if’ rather than recognizing what if is out of my control. Focusing on what if has no value. I can recall early in my policing career thinking of the what if and quickly realized I had no control over what might or could happen and I was wasting valuable energy. My best response was to accept I only had control of me and to put what if in my rear view mirror. To remain focused on the areas I actually had control of which was to accept I could control my own destiny and to only deal with what if only, when it became a reality. Then to take it as a challenge to be overcome. The saying ‘If its to be, it's up to me’ certainly applies.

WHEN ONE LIVES WITHOUT HOPE, THE WILLINGNESS TO DO IS PARALYZED. … IT IS BEING DISABLED, NOT BY ILLNESS OR DISEASE, BUT BY DESPAIR. Signs of Recovery I know that I am moving forward in my recovery when… …I find myself questioning people who say I will not recover …I become more aware of those things that I am good at. …I know what I can handle and what I need to share with the professionals. …I am able to set up safeguards for myself. …I learn from my peers and get support from them. …I see trouble coming before it arrives. …I think I may have a chance. …I know who and what’s not good for me. …I realize what sets me off and stresses me out. …I know how to work the system. …I know when my behaviour is appropriate and inappropriate. …I am able to hear “hope” from my peers – “Hang in there, its not forever” …I know the difference in symptoms and stigma and am developing coping skills for each. …I believe I can recover. …I know when to leave a situation because it has given me all it can. …I realize that my past life has value. …I know when I need a special kind of help and seek it out. …I know that sharing with peers helps put things in perspective. The above is provided in order to see the importance of instilling HOPE in our daily lives and try to view things in positives. Peer Support Group Leader, Leigh

TOPIC FOR POSSIBLE DISCUSSION: 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 diagnoses 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

The below is documented for the purpose of creating a discussion around the purpose and value of PEER SUPPORT. 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 helps the agency and/or the system recover 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 insight into the experience of internalized stigma. Third, peers address the “you do not know what it’s like” feeling in their peer. 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