CMHA recognizes PTSD Awareness Day

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services joins individuals and organizations around the world in recognizing PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) Awareness Day.

PTSD Awareness Day was officially recognized for the first time in Ontario by the provincial government in 2019. 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 with PTSD could experience the event themselves or witness it happening to others.

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. Women, refugees and Aboriginal people are also statistically at higher risk.

If you are struggling, please reach out. CMHA TVAMHS offers several resources that may help individuals living with PTSD or other mental health concerns:

• 24/7 Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre located at 648 Huron Street in London, Ontario.
• Reach Out is a confidential 24/7 information, support and crisis service for people living with mental health or addictions concerns in Elgin, Oxford, Middlesex and London. Call or text 519-433-2023 or use web chat via www.reachout247.ca.
• Support Line (24/7) provides confidential listening and support to individuals 16+ any time of day or night. Call 519-601-8055. If a caller is under 16, we suggest calling Tandem, a 24/7 Crisis Support Services and Intake team for children and youth up to 18 years of age and their parents/guardians. Tandem can be reached day or night at 519-433-0334.
• Intake and Access to CMHA TVAMHS programs
• Learn about all CMHA TVAMHS programs here.

To show support, members of the public are encouraged to share their stories and use the #PTSDAwarenessDay hashtag on social media.