WHAT’S NEW

Perspectives — ‘It wasn’t him talking, it was the PTSD’: An RCMP spouse’s journey

Tanis Giczi can recall the many ways her husband Jim’s posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diagnosed following a 28-year Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) career with frequent exposure to traumatic events, affected their relationship and their Family as a whole. Read her words in a heartfelt new Perspectives blog post.

Mind Beyond the Mission — Continuing the conversation on the impacts of suicide with Dennis Mackenzie

Corporal (Ret’d) Dennis Mackenzie joined Brian and Laryssa to explore the profound impacts of suicide within the Veteran community in this new episode of the Mind Beyond the Mission podcast. They discuss:

• Coping strategies for managing thoughts of suicide
• The significant of remembrance in honouring those who died by suicide
• The importance of connection, especially in rural communities
• The importance of fostering hope and resilience

COMMUNITY CORNER

Giving a voice to the Veteran and Family community, one story at a time

Time served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) can often be a source of pride for both Veterans and Families, but for those who have experienced trauma, loss and difficult circumstances as a result of service, it is important to know these feelings are equally valid and you are not alone.

We invite you to explore our library of powerful, real-life stories from Veterans and Veteran Families from across Canada, touching on topics including parenting with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma and navigating suicide loss. These stories share a thread of hope, and in bringing them to life, they support others on their own journeys to healing.

EVENTS AND TRAINING

October 21 – 23, 2024 — CIMVHR Forum 2024

Join us at CIMVHR Forum 2024 in Winnipeg, MB, hosted by the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR). This year, Atlas will be presenting on a variety of topics and research projects, including neurofeedback, engaging with the Veteran community, our public policy work and more. Be sure to visit our booth and attend our symposium, podium and poster presentations to learn more about our research on military and Veteran health and how, together, we are creating positive change for Veterans and Families across Canada. Find out more, including the full list of Atlas presentations, on our event page.

TRAINING FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

Managing problematic anger

A self-paced virtual training course designed to equip service providers with the skills to assess and treat problematic anger in military and Veteran populations is now available. Offered in collaboration with Phoenix Australia, this training is available in both English and French and there is no cost to eligible licensed service providers.

October 7–10, 2024 — Prolonged exposure therapy training for French-speaking service providers

Limited spots are still available for a training on prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), offered in French. This training is for licensed service providers working in mental health who care for Veterans and their Families in Canada.

This training includes a four-day workshop on PE therapy for PTSD, taking place October 7–10, 2024, followed by 12 weeks of expert-led group consultations. The cost is covered for eligible service providers.

SELF-PACED TRAINING

FEATURED RESOURCES

Suicide prevention resources for Veterans and Families

Suicide in the Veteran community is a serious issue. Veterans and Families have said, loud and clear, that prevention efforts should be a priority. There is a vital need to equip both Veterans and their Families with practical information and tools they can use to care for themselves and support loved ones who might be struggling.

With World Suicide Prevention Day coming up on September 10, we’re highlighting a series of practical, evidence-informed suicide prevention resources developed to respond to this concern and created specifically for the Veteran community. Atlas worked with Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Veteran Family members and the Centre for Suicide Prevention to co-create these resources, which are designed to speak to the Veteran community’s unique culture, needs and experiences.

The resources include toolkits for both Veterans and Family members, a conversation guide for talking to someone who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and a quick-reference help card with key pointers and information about crisis supports.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Ongoing recruiting studies

Are you a CAF or RCMP Veteran or Veteran Family member? Atlas is always looking for participants to get involved in various ongoing research projects. Visit the recruiting studies page of our website to find studies you may be eligible to participate in.

COMMEMORATIONS CALENDAR

View more commemorative dates

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