Fight the Stigma
Overcoming the stigma associated with mental health is one of the most difficult and important steps in healing. In many circles, particularly in the military and first responder fields, discussing mental health is looked down upon. This is fueled ignorance of what mental health really is, but this causes many individuals to ignore their mental health issues for fear of being judged by their coworkers, or loosing their job. It doesn't need to be this way.
Did you know Mental Health is protected by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Federal Law? Well, it is! It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you simply because you have a mental health condition. This includes firing you, rejecting you for a job or promotion, or forcing you to take leave. You can reach out for help without fear of loosing your job. An article posted by UNICEF states it best, " Asking for help is a sign of strength - it shows self-awareness and courage to seek support during difficult times."
Mental Health hotlines (call, text, chat)
US Suicide & Crisis Hotline - Are you thinking about Suicide? Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). Both options provide 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can also chat online by visiting their website. Dial 911 [US] in an emergency.
The US Veterans Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as their family members and friends, with qualified Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text messaging service. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. You can also start a confidential online chat session at the Veterans Crisis Chat.
Canadian Crisis Line - You deserve to be heard, and we’re here to listen! Connect to a crisis responder to get help without judgement. Call 1-833-456-4566 toll free or text 45645 at any time, 24/7/365! If it's an emergency, please call 911.
Canadian Veteran's Crisis Line - Call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional right now, or use the online chat to set up an appointment. A confidential and free service available 24/7 to Veterans, former RCMP members, their family members, and caregivers.
Free Online Courses
PTSD Coach Online - The expanded desktop version of the mobile app, gives you 17 tools to choose from to help you manage stress. Learn to manage troubling symptoms following trauma, such as, sleep, trauma reminders and anger. Mobile app also available.
CRAFT-PTSD - Help with PTSD for You and Your Family. Community Reinforcement and Family Training - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CRAFT-PTSD) is a self-paced online course for family members of someone working to manage PTSD. Learn skills to encourage and support your loved one, and find resources to support your own quality of life.
CRAFT-SUD - Help with Addiction for You and Your Family. Community Reinforcement and Family Training - Substance Use Disorder (CRAFT-SUD) is a web-based course for family members of Veterans working to manage SUD. This self-paced course teaches you about addiction and offers skills to encourage and support a loved one and help you take care of yourself.
Anger and Irritability Management Skills - This course offers a wide range of practical skills and tools to manage your anger and develop self-control over your thoughts and actions.
Moving Forward - This course teaches skills to help you overcome stressful problems and meet your goals in managing stress, balancing school and family, relationships, coping with physical injuries, financial difficulties, and adjustment issues.
Path to Better Sleep - This course provides information and practical tools to manage sleep problems.
Parenting Course - This course provides parents with tools that strengthen parenting skills and helps them reconnect with their children, and deal with both everyday problems and family issues that are unique to the military lifestyle.
other resources
Food Insecurity
The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This can be a temporary situation for a family or can last a long time. Just like Mental Health, there is a stigma associated Food Insecurity, and just like the former, it is based on a lack of knowledge and understanding on the subject. We live in difficult times, and the cost of life has become too expansive for many. Its ok to ask for help. Its ok to reach out! No one should go hungry.
Below is a list of Food Pantry Resources that can help you and your family get back on your feet.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
- Foodpantires.org - Search for food pantries in your area!
- Food Pantries of Calgary - Food Pantries of Canada
- Find Food Support - Food Pantries listed through Google
- Feed Our Vets - Veteran Food Panties & Resources
Financial Assistance
In some cases, certain organizations can help alleviate financial burdens. This can be anything from help with debt repayment, to low interest loans. Not all resources are open to everyone, and not every resources is right for each situation. Please take a look at the list below to see if anything can help.