From the Director's Desk
Greetings,
I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and getting in some extra time outdoors. We often hear from Public Safety Personnel (PSP) that time outside is a great way to recharge.
In this month's newsletter, I want to recognize and highlight several awareness initiatives, provide updated information on the courses PSPNET currently offers, share results from the national survey, and what is upcoming for our team, bring attention to a meaningful podcast, share a mental health tip, and provide links to our recent publications.
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. Please contact us if you require any additional information or have any questions.
Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos
Director of PSPNET
www.pspnet.ca
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CIPRST and PSPNET recognize International Firefighter day, First Responders day and Paramedic Services Week. We are most grateful for the continued dedication and resilience of all First Responders across the country and are committed to providing support to this community.
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CIPRST and PSPNET recognize the necessity of Red Dress day, which is in place to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGTBQQIA+ people. If you need emotional support related to missing or murdered Indigenous women, girls, or 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, help is available. Call the national toll-free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor.
For more information click here. |
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CIPRST and PSPNET recognize Mental Health Week. For this year's mental health week, CIPRST has released our "Sleep 101 Course", because good mental health requires self-care, which includes getting a good night's sleep. This course will have it's first session May 25th. Learn more here. |
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Who Are We Helping?
WHO IS ENROLLED IN OUR COURSES? A BREAKDOWN BY SECTORS
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
72,482 people have visited our website
602 PSP have completed a telephone assessment
561 PSP have started treatment
358 PSP have fully completed the program
153 PSP are currently in treatment
HOW CLIENTS FEEL ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
98% would refer the program to a friend
99% reported the program was worth their time
91% reported increased confidence in managing their symptoms.
CLIENT QUOTES
"I am very thankful that one of my coworkers recommended this course to me, and I will 100% recommend it to others as well."
"I loved this course. I felt more confident, and it gave me the tools to help me understand myself and how I reacted to the trauma I've experienced."
** Metrics provided in this newsletter are up to April 30, 2022 **
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Findings from the National Survey
In November, 2021 we sent out a survey to increase our understanding of the perceptions of PSPNET among PSP. From the national survey we learned several things we would like to share with you today:
- Across Canada, we had 541 PSP participate in the survey, 71% had never heard of PSPNET before and 93% had never used any other forms of online therapy.
- When asked, most participants rated all PSPNET features (e.g., accessibility, minimal wait time, therapist-guided support, tailored for PSP) as being either a “moderate advantage” or a “major advantage”.
- The majority of participants agreed that mental health problems are common in their occupation. Meanwhile, 79.2% of participants believe PSP are not receiving the mental health support they need.
- 87.1% of participants reported PSPNET could be successful in helping people in their occupation and 96.4% of participants believe that it should continue to be free and accessible.
The survey remains open. If you would like to complete the survey or ask others to complete the survey please click here.
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New and Upcoming
SPOUSE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER WELLBEING COURSE
The PSPNET team is working hard to implement a free, self-guided, wellbeing course for spouses/significant others of PSP. The program is designed to treat symptoms of low mood, depression, worry, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Currently, the plan is to have the program up and running by this coming summer.
To follow our progress, please visit: www.pspnet.ca/families
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Media Spotlight
UPTALK PODCAST
Sean Conohan is the host of UpTalk podcast, which focuses on reducing the stigma associated with mental illness among First Responders. Each episode Conohan speaks with a different guest, some of whom have personal experience as a first responder, have clinical expertise, or legislative authority.
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Mental Health Tip
Stress Awareness Month was last month, here is some information that can help with the management of stress.
STRESS
While stress is a normal part of life, it can take a heavy toll on our physical and mental health. That is why it is important to learn and implement different tools for combatting the negative effects of stress. Here are some healthy, evidence-based means of managing stress:
- Having a Social Support System: it is important to have people you can receive support from, whether that be in terms of emotional or practical support. It can also be important to give support, as this can have a positive impact on your mood.
- Practice relaxing your muscles: a common physical response to stress is the tensing of one's muscles. This can lead to tension headaches, back pain, and tiredness. Several things can be done to routinely relax your muscles, such as stretching, massages, warm baths, and progressive muscle relaxation (inhaling while contracting a specific muscle for 5 - 10 seconds, then exhaling and relaxing the muscle for 10 or more seconds).
- Practice physical activity: even moderate physical activity, such as a brisk 30 minute walk can go a long way in curbing the negative effects of stress.
- Enjoy nature: taking time to stop and notice nature has been shown to improve mood, so much so that an improvement in mood can be found by simply watching a video of nature.
Source: Thorn, B. (2019). Healthy ways to handle life's stressors. American Psychological Association. Retrieved April 13, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/tips
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Recent Publications by our Researchers
Beahm, J. D., Landry, C. A., McCall, H. C., Carleton, R. N., & Hadjistavropoulos. (2022). Understanding and Addressing Occupational Stressors in Internet-Delivered Therapy for Public Safety Personnel: A Qualitative Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(8), 4744.
Click here to see a summary of this publication.
Hugh, C. M., Landry, C. A., Ogunade, A., Carleton, R. N., & Hadjistavropoulos, H. D. (2021). Why Do Public Safety Personnel Seek Tailored Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? An Observational Study of Treatment-Seekers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), 11972.
Click here to see a summary of this publication.
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Request a presentation or PSPNET promotional materials
If you would like us to provide a presentation to your organization or send promotional materials (wallet cards, magnets, postcards) in English and French, contact us by email at pspnet@uregina.ca or phone at 306-337-7233 or toll-free at 1-833-317-7233.
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Find out more about the courses we offer:
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THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:
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