In collaboration with Veterans and Family members and in partnership with the Centre for Suicide Prevention, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families has released a new suite of suicide prevention resources. The resources aim to support both Veterans and their Family members so they can find answers based on the experiences of people like them for the questions they may have about mental health and suicide. The resources aim to acknowledge and support people’s needs at different points along the continuum of experiences for both the Veteran and the Family member.
Veteran and Atlas Institute National Strategic Advisor Brian McKenna highlights posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury among Veterans. Military members may deal with inadequate emotional and mental preparation for combat and limited support systems, which can make the transition to post-military life even more challenging. McKenna, diagnosed with PTSD, found limited resources and cultural competency in medical services. Therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy and neurofeedback show promise. Advocating for more support, McKenna emphasizes readiness in medical systems for returning Veterans.
An online hub has been launched by the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families to offer support for people impacted by military sexual trauma. It provides resources on military sexual misconduct and trauma recovery and aids for health care providers treating Veterans.
A new course aims to bridge the knowledge gap for therapists treating Veterans and first responders. Developed by Dr. Tim Black, it addresses the unique mental health needs of these groups, focusing on a more direct, transparent approach than traditional therapy methods. Nearly 800 health care providers have accessed this training, hoping to improve care for those frequently exposed to trauma.
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Veterans are increasingly facing loneliness, with nearly one-quarter living alone, a rate higher than the general population. Operation VetBuild, a program at Royal Canadian Legion branches, aims to reduce this isolation by providing socializing opportunities through model-building activities. Although effective for participants, the program faces challenges in attracting younger Veterans. The issue of loneliness among Veterans is significant, as it’s associated with various health problems and impacts their overall well-being. Understanding and addressing this loneliness is crucial for supporting Veteran communities.
Profile of Veteran and former Atlas Institute reference group member Floyd Powder and his appointment as sergeant-at-arms for the N.W.T. Legislative Assembly. His extensive volunteer work includes involvement with Atlas, the Last Post Fund and Métis National Council, which highlights his commitment to community service.
Q&A with Don Robinson, a 55-year-old business owner running for Stratford council with a focus on mental health, policing, transit and infrastructure. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, especially in light of COVID-19’s impact on health care workers. He highlights the moral injury guide co-developed by the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families and Phoenix Australia as instrumental in building a focus on supports for health care workers.
Wounded Warriors Canada and the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families have introduced a new training course for health care providers. “Introduction to Trauma-Exposed Professionals” aims to enhance the understanding and treatment of mental health issues in Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, public safety personnel, and their Families. The course, developed by Dr. Tim Black, addresses the unique challenges faced by these groups. The first 500 eligible health care providers can access the course for free, improving support and care for trauma-exposed Veterans and their Families.
Refugee advocates express concern over the planned CF-18 fighter jet flyby at Ottawa Redblacks game, noting it may be triggering for those with war experiences. Fardous Hosseiny, President and CEO of the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, suggests re-evaluating the necessity of such flybys and taking into consideration those who have ve left situations of conflict and are struggling.
Former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers Jim Wong and Ross MacInnes shared their posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiences in an Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families campaign. They highlight the importance of informal discussions among officers as a coping mechanism. Wong, affected by witnessing numerous tragedies, benefited from psychological support. MacInnes, haunted by a traumatic incident, found solace in sharing with civilian friends. The campaign emphasizes mental health challenges faced by Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members.
