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

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

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

"I work at a mental health facility and I was assaulted by a client. Now, years later, every time someone touches me I resist even the slightest hint at physical or emotional intimacy. I struggle with maintaining relationships with my friends, and more so, with people who seem interested in dating me. I am lonely and do not want to spend the rest of my life alone. One of my friends suggested that Equine-assisted Therapy might help. Despite the horse’s intimidating size, I felt safe and made more of a connection with each visit. Horses are empathic creatures who mirror what we are feeling. If you are excited, they are excited. If you are confident, so are they. This unique connection provides a powerful opportunity to learn and practice symptom management in a safe and supportive environment. Being with the horse helped me to regulate my emotions, manage my symptoms and improve my communication skills. -- Has anyone experienced similar symptoms and what has worked for you?" Melanie’s journey reflects the transformative power of therapies like those we provide. Your support can help individuals like her find hope, healing, and connection through innovative programs such as Equine-assisted Therapy. Help those who serve and protect us ... Donate

How can I support them? a.       Remind your co-worker that talking about mental health can be helpful b.       Try to listen without trying to “fix” something c.       Try to empathize with how your co-worker feels, without judging, even when their feelings are hard to understand d.       Ask how you can help e.       Remind your co-worker that you are there for them f.        Learn more about mental health and the resources available in your organization, and help your co-worker to also be aware of the available resources g.       Remind co-workers that they can seek help with their mental health h.       Reach out to co-workers to include them in activities i.         Remember to take care of yourself

1.       The following signs may be cause for concern when they occur regularly: a.       Withdrawal from the group b.       Persistent low mood or frequent pessimistic remarks c.       Numerous or recurring physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomach issues, fatigue) d.       Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly e.       Increased irritability f.        Reports of sleep issues (e.g., insomnia, oversleeping, fatigue) g.       Changes in personal hygiene, especially neglect h.       Suicidal thoughts, comments, or behaviors i.         Frequent worrying j.         Difficulty relaxing k.       Heightened sensitivity to stimuli (e.g., light, smells, sounds) l.         Loss of interest in work, colleagues, or enjoyable activities outside of work m.     Suspicion or paranoia n.       Unusual or abnormal behavior o.       Reports of significant appetite changes (increase or decrease) p.       Sudden or drastic mood swings q.       Substance abuse

Public Safety Personnel (PSP) often encounter extremely high levels of job-related stress, which can increase their risk of developing mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many PSP feel isolated when dealing with mental health challenges, and concerns about stigma may discourage them from seeking help. However, social support plays a vital role in shielding PSP from the damaging effects of stress. Colleagues are frequently the first to recognize signs of poor mental health, and due to their shared experiences, PSP may feel more comfortable confiding in a peer.

Meeting a mental health professional for the first time can feel overwhelming, with questions and paperwork often adding to the stress. To help you feel more prepared, follow these three key steps: Write down your questions or concerns ahead of time and bring them with you. It’s also a good idea to have something to take notes during the session in case new questions arise. Arrive a few minutes early  to allow time for any intake forms you may need to fill out. Be ready to discuss what you're experiencing.  Your mental health professional is there to understand your situation and provide support. They’ll usually let you set the pace and guide you through the first session. These steps can help make your initial meeting more comfortable and productive.

Finding a mental health professional can be stressful, especially when you're in need of help quickly. However, it’s important to take the time to find someone who is the right fit for you. Below are key approaches and questions to consider when selecting a professional: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) CPT helps individuals exposed to psychological trauma by teaching them how to challenge and modify distressing thoughts, such as self-blame, to promote healing and growth. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) EMDR focuses on processing emotions and symptoms related to traumatic events. This therapy involves rhythmic side-to-side eye movements while recalling the event, which can reduce the intensity of emotionally charged memories. Before booking an appointment, consider asking the following questions to ensure the therapist is a good match for your needs: Is the mental health professional registered and licensed? Are they available for appointments within your preferred timeframe? (Specify your availability, such as evenings, weekends, or how soon you need to be seen). What do they recommend you do to prepare for your first session? Have they worked with public safety personnel before? Can they share their experience in helping people like you? Finding the right therapist may take some time, and it’s okay if it takes one or two attempts to find the right fit. These questions can serve as a helpful starting point for your search.

There are various ways to treat Operational Stress Injury (OSI), and your mental health professional may specialize in one or more of these approaches. Below are four common methods, though other treatments may also be effective for you: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach that helps you identify, challenge, and change problematic thought patterns and behaviors. Exposure Therapy Exposure therapy helps individuals confront fears or distressing situations in a safe environment. By facing the things that cause fear or discomfort, individuals can reduce their avoidance and overcome anxiety. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) CPT is designed for those who have experienced psychologically traumatic events. It helps individuals challenge and modify related thoughts, such as self-blame, to facilitate healing and emotional growth. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) EMDR focuses on reducing the emotional intensity of traumatic memories. The treatment involves making side-to-side eye movements, similar to watching a pendulum, while recalling the event, which can help lessen distressing emotions. Your treatment plan should be tailored to your needs, and your mental health professional can guide you toward the most suitable approach

When searching for a mental health professional, you may come across unfamiliar terms. One of the key terms to remember is Operational Stress Injury (OSI) . OSI’s refer to mental health conditions or disorders that arise from operational (or Occupational) stress experienced in the workplace. While these stressors often involve exposure to potentially traumatic events, Public Safety Personnel (PSP) may also face other occupational stressors, such as shift work, overtime, and the pressure to maintain a "higher image" in public.

There are three main types of mental health professionals you may encounter: Psychologists Psychologists can assess mental health issues, create treatment plans, and provide psychotherapy or psychological treatments that focus on addressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They perform assessments, prescribe medications, recommend treatments, and can request additional medical tests or exams when necessary. Social Workers Social workers provide psychotherapy, helping clients build skills and access personal or community resources to manage their problems and needs. It's essential to check your benefits plan to understand which type of professional is covered and what type of registration or qualifications are required. If you have a family physician, they may also play a role in coordinating your mental health care.