June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day

Jun 26, 2023

June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day, an annual campaign created to educate the public, increase awareness, and support those affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

According to the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), in Canada it is estimated that up to 2.3 per cent of the population is dealing with PTSD at any given time.

READ: John’s Story. [CONTENT WARNING]

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder involving exposure to a traumatic event which could include crimes, natural disasters, accidents, war or conflict, or other threats to life. A person who lives with PTSD could experience the event themselves or witness it happening to others.

The symptoms of PTSD often surface within three months of the traumatic event that caused it but can also surface years later.

While post-traumatic stress can affect anyone, healthcare workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters and corrections staff are particularly at risk. The unique workplace stress for first responders can lead to operational stress injuries, which include PTSD. 

In recent years, frontline health-care workers have reported increased feelings of burnout,
secondary trauma and empathic strain. While research on this topic focuses mainly on the general community, it is also reflected amongst staff at post-secondary institutions.

Signs and Symptoms:

To meet the criteria for PTSD, a person must have symptoms for longer than 1 month, and the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. The symptoms also must be unrelated to medication, substance use, or other illness.

The course of the disorder varies. Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last for 1 year or longer. People with PTSD often have co-occurring conditions, such as depression, substance use, or one or more anxiety disorders.

After a dangerous event, it is natural to have some symptoms. For example, some people may feel detached from the experience, as though they are observing things rather than experiencing them. A mental health professional who has experience helping people with PTSD, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker, can determine whether symptoms meet the criteria for PTSD.

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:

• At least one re-experiencing symptom
• At least one avoidance symptom
• At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
• At least two cognition and mood symptoms

Read More about symptoms of PTSD.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor or clinician.

Source: NIMH

How is PTSD treated?

It is important for anyone with PTSD symptoms to work with a mental health professional who has experience treating PTSD. The main treatments are psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of psychotherapy and medications. A mental health professional can help people find the best treatment plan for their symptoms and needs.

Some people with PTSD, such as those in abusive relationships, may be living through ongoing trauma. In these cases, treatment is usually most effective when it addresses both the traumatic situation and the symptoms of PTSD. People who experience traumatic events or who have PTSD also may experience panic disorder, depression, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. Treatment for these conditions can help with recovery after trauma. Research shows that support from family and friends also can be an important part of recovery.

Resources

Read:

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events: This fact sheet presents information on how children and adolescents respond to traumatic events, and what family, friends, and trusted adults can do to help.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: This brochure provides information about PTSD, including what it is, who develops PTSD, symptoms, treatment options, and how to find help for yourself or someone else who may have PTSD.

Brochure for frontline workers: The Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health has created an information sheet on signs, symptoms and protective factors of empathic strain. Read more on CICMH website.

PTSD – What is it?: Informational sheet about PTSD.

Nova Scotia Health Authority: Tools, information and resources.

Watch:

NIMH-Funded Researcher Discusses PTSD: In this video, an expert describes PTSD signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and the latest research on PTSD.

Programs:

Resilient Minds: Resilient Minds™ is an evidence-based, peer-led psychological health awareness training program designed by fire fighters for fire fighters.

Bounceback: BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program that helps adults and youth 15+ learn to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Through telephone coaching and skill-building workbooks, participants can learn ways to overcome their symptoms and improve their mental well-being.

Additional Resources and Programs:

Rally Point Retreat: Rally Point Retreat provides a quiet, safe, and relaxing, rural setting on Nova Scotia’s South Shore as a respite for essential services members in treatment for CIS/CSI/OSI/OSIS/PTSD to regroup themselves and reconnect with their families, to prevent further collateral damage from traumatic events.

Landing Strong: Landing Strong is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting military members, veterans and first responders who are experiencing the effects of operational stress injuries.

PTSD Association of Canada: The mission of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Association is to honour the human spirit and empower individuals suffering from PTSD.

Anxiety Canada Website: Information and resources.