Signs of Recovery

"Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all of the darkness." -Desmond TUTU 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 behavior is appropriate and inappropriate. ● …I am able to hear “hope” from my peers – “Hang in there, it’s 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 Photo by DanSunphotos.com 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.

Kindness. When being ugly is more popular.

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late”

--Scarlet Tunic p. 66

Why is this quote important? Without kindness, peer support wouldn’t exist. Several years ago while in Ottawa to intern my father and his wife at the Military Section of Woodland Cemetery, we had a family meal together. When we left my brother was approached by a man down on his luck and asked for money for a meal. My brother agreed he would pay for the meal, but would purchase the meal if the individual accompanied him back into the restaurant. The individual readily agreed. A gesture of kindness without questions.

On Monday night some of us attended the presentation by Joel and Kristie McNair on their Journey of Recovery from his diagnosis of PTSD. As difficult as it was, they were able to track the difficult journey as a positive message for others.

Without going into detail about their presentation, she mentioned that the support from family and coworkers was a vital part of their journey. When he was away for treatment for an extended period of time, coworkers provided support in having a fundraiser, and made sure the emotional support and concern was always there. A quote was displayed on the screen during the presentation and fits perfectly into this topic. “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about - BE KIND” (author unknown)

Kindness, respect, commitment, compassion and support was evident throughout their presentation.

We don’t have to put a name to it but this is peer support in its finest hour. Their road certainly wasn’t easy and it paints a very similar path that all of us have had to endure in overcoming our challenges.

“Life is black and white, it's’ up to you to paint the colors”

Peer Support Group Leader Leigh

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 Mask We All Wear

The MASK, Any of us who have worked in the capacity of military/policing and first responders are quickly indoctrinated into the world of “suck it up” and other such sayings. It seems it may have been a defensive method of not showing emotion and magically those feelings would just fade away. Much like an ostrich with its head in a hole when disaster strikes. When engaged in an event the focus must be controlled and done in a thoroughly professional manner. It’s after the fact when the emotions catch up. The system of denial and self-medication are unacceptable going forward.

● Reach out to someone you trust, don’t let ego or pride get in the way.

● The journey might be difficult but the rewards are worth the risk.

● Reinventing one’s self to be better than you were is achievable.

“There are no tough guys, and nobody fights alone.” (Chris Siddons)

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.