Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Dylana Milobar

PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

Silent struggle put into focus with PTSD Awareness Month

Jun 7, 2019 | 5:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — June marks Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness month, which is one part of a growing push for mental health advocacy in modern society.

Serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, or working as a first responder can often be life threatening. On top of physical risks, those in uniform regularly sacrifice their mental health to get the job done.

That can often produce long lasting impacts like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

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One of the leading PTSD resource coordinators for veterans is the Military Minds organization.

The group is led by retired Cpl. Scott Casey, who says maintaining a healthy mind off duty is no easy task, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary struggle.

“Its interesting how many people don’t realize that they’re not alone,” Casey says. “There are literally thousands and thousands of people out there who are living with PTSD.”

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

Casey’s passion for helping other veterans cope with trauma comes after he took part in a peacekeeping mission in the former Yugoslavia.

“For me it was something that I couldn’t just walk away from, and something needed to be said. Something needed to be done,” he stresses. “And through our organization, we’ve also pushed the government to address suicide and so on. So it’s been a very passionate thing for me to be a part of this.”

Those who witness combat-related atrocities are not the only ones who may struggle with the aftermath.

BC Paramedic Lindsay Kellosalmi, says first responders such as firefighters, RCMP, 911 dispatchers, and paramedics all regularly experience high-stress situations.

Image Credit: CFJC Today

“The psychological risks of what paramedics deal with everyday at work is definitely front and centre in our minds,” she explains. “Things are improving. We have peer support programs as well, which is a big day-to-day support for our paramedics and dispatchers when they deal with those more stressful calls.”

This month in particular, advocates hope people suffering from PTSD will make the call for help.

“When they do get a hold of us (Military Minds), then we can align them with services in their area if they need them,” says Casey. “We’ll also work with… Veterans Affairs Canada, or whatever Veterans Affairs they have in their specific country, because Military Minds is a global entity.”

In the days ahead, Casey and others will be spreading Post Traumatic Stress Disorder awareness in the hopes of reaching those engaged in that silent struggle.