Remembrance Day invites us to pause and acknowledge the valuable service of the men & women of our Canadian Armed Forces, both past and present. It is important to remember the events of history that have shaped our identity as a sovereign, democratic nation and the human cost of that effort, which includes not only lives lost, but also the emotional and mental impact of global conflict.
Over the last 40 years, much has been discovered about the psychological effects of military service, including the recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD used to be called “battle fatigue” or “shell shock” until the 1980’s when the term began to be more broadly applied to anyone experiencing severe trauma, not just soldiers.
In the early 2000s, Canada’s military acknowledged the reality of psychological trauma under the umbrella designation of Operational Stress Injuries (OSI). OSI was created to help counter the stigma of mental health issues and also to include related issues like substance use disorders, anxiety, mood and adjustment disorders, and anger management, as well as relationship issues and somatic symptoms. That recognition has been very important for the improvement of the quality of mental health and trauma care available to our service members.
Not just a Military issue; however, it is not only the military who can be affected, or on the battlefield that PTSD can take place. Trauma can be experienced more broadly by people in many other areas of life for all kinds of different reasons. PTSD can occur following any unexpected experience, including violence, abuse, serious accidents, natural disasters, sudden loss, medical crises or repeated exposure to distressing events.
Post-traumatic stress (PTS) can affect thoughts, emotions, the body, relationships and a person’s overall sense of safety. Post-traumatic stress can occur in the short term as a result of a one-time event (like a car accident), or as a longer-term response to a chronic, ongoing or severe situation (e.g. domestic abuse) developing into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Any of these circumstances can affect not only the victims of those events but also survivors, witnesses, and their families. And the personnel who respond to these emergencies can also be affected by them. First responders (fire, police, ambulance), health-care workers, or other front-line workers are also at risk of developing symptoms of PTSD.
Seeking help in any of these situations is a valid response to this kind of serious mental distress. It should not be seen as some sort of defect or personal failing; any more than any other legitimate illness would be (we do not berate ourselves for any other kind of chronic illness). Everyone suffering from post-traumatic stress needs recognition, connection and support from friends, family or other kinds of specialized support (veterans associations, AA, peer support groups, etc.) who will listen without judgment, avoid pressing for details and let each person decide what they wish to share. Any assistance should include families and caregivers, who may also need information, understanding and support.
Self-care and community support are also a very important piece in the individual’s recovery from PTSD. Taking care of needs for healthy food, rest, secure housing, meaningful employment and counselling support is vital to providing holistic care for individuals who may have gone untreated for some time.
This Remembrance Day lets us remember that recognizing post-traumatic stress in the experiences of veterans as well as in civilian settings does not diminish the experiences of veterans, but extends the same attentive, respectful care to everyone whose lives have been disrupted or changed by trauma.
Responses may differ by affected group, but with appropriate support, recovery and leading meaningful lives are possible. When we recognize post-traumatic stress wherever it occurs, we make more room for dignity, connection and recovery.
Let's carry our new understanding of this important issue beyond November 11th by noticing when the people around us are in distress, responding without assumptions and sharing trustworthy support. It could happen to any of us.
Resources:
- Walmsley Employee & Family Assistance Plan (EFAP): Our counselling team is available to all employees and their families. Help can be accessed through our website, www.walmsley.ca or by phone to connect with our intake team at 1-800-481-5511.
- HealthLink BC or 811: PTSD counselling and treatment options
- CMHA British Columbia: B.C.-focused PTSD information and guidance on where to seek assessment and treatment. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - CMHA British Columbia
Veteran-specific resources:
- Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service: free, confidential, short-term psychological support for veterans, former RCMP members, their families and caregivers; available 24/7 at 1-800-268-7708.
- Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS): a peer support network for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families who are experiencing an operational stress injury.