CAF Members / Veterans

An Operational Stress Injury is any persistent psychological difficulty resulting from operations in the military. Those operational duties can include training incidents, domestic operations and international operations.
 

Persistent psychological difficulties:	Possible experiences and behaviours:
Anxiety Depression Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Sleep disorders Other conditions  - e.g. addictions (substance or behavioral), anger issues	Lethargic or lacking energy Loss of passion or enthusiasm Struggle to maintain daily activities Hypervigilant or fear of large groups Optimism has turned to pessimism Anger and aggression

Possible Contributors to an OSI

There are different factors and experiences that may contribute to an OSI. Four possible contributors are: Trauma, Fatigue, Grief, and Moral Injury. A person’s experience of an OSI may come from a single area of impact or may be a combination of any of these contributors. Here are some examples for each contributor:
 

Trauma or Impact Injury IED explosion  Training accident Witnessing an incident	Fatigue or Wear and Tear Burnout back home Being responsible for the safety of other people  Multiple tours/taskings
Grief Injury Loss of people you knew Anticipatory loss Loss of “normal”; loss of previous self Losing the partner they knew before	Moral Injury or Loss Witnessing an event but being unable to help Guilt and shame; things that weren’t done Having no control

Moral injury is a loss injury; a disruption in our trust that occurs within our moral values and beliefs. Any events, action or inaction transgressing our moral/ethical beliefs, expectations and standards can set the stage for moral injury. (Moral Injury, CAMH, 2017).

These are short term strategies. We recommend consulting your physician to access a broader range of services.
 

General	Sleep/Nightmares
Set small goals. If that means all you can do today is take a shower, then do that. Schedule your appointments to minimize stress. Learn strategies to help with symptoms like anxiety in crowds, anger and memory issues. Believe it or not, there are ways to cope! Manage expectations and be realistic. Recovery takes time. Identify people who can support you. Recovery is often more successful with support. Communicate with your family and friends. It is likely they know something is happening and they want to know how to support you.	Minimize caffeine and alcohol. Try not to nap during the day. Do not use a device with a bright screen in the hour before bed (Smartphone, laptop, etc.). Try to avoid subjects that may trigger symptoms before bed (particular TV shows, particular reading, intense conversations). Exercise regularly. Practice relaxation exercises.
Crowds	Memory loss
Determine if there is a less busy time to do the activity. Communicate the plan (how long will we stay, where do we meet if we get separated, etc.) to minimize unexpected situations. Discuss compromise… (I really want to go to the concert… Is there a smaller venue, do we go 5 minutes after the show is started so that the crowd is seated, do I go alone?)	Use memory aides, such as lists, post-it notes, day timers, iPod, etc. Keep expectations realistic. Make To-Do lists short. Keep a routine. Get adequate rest.
Lack of intimacy	Angry outbursts
Seek outside help from a counsellor. Realize you may have to look for new ways to build intimacy. Revisit something that you both enjoyed doing together when you first met. **Discuss beforehand and be sure that both of you feel safe doing it. Allow modification. Find ways to laugh together. Agree to set aside an hour that you spend together (going for a walk, talking about a book, going for a drive to a coffee shop) that you are NOT allowed to bring up, refer to, blame, or do charades in reference to the OSI or the issues in relation to it.	Postpone the conversation/disagreement until later, but don’t avoid it. Try to stay calm, use grounding techniques. Ask for space. Be accountable for your actions. Keep everyone safe and leave if you need to. Try to recognize indicators that you are getting agitated before you lash out (breathing changes, feeling tense etc.).

Having an OSI can be difficult. You may avoid family and friends or stop doing things that you once enjoyed. Your family may also start avoiding the same things, as they may adapt their behaviours, moods and routines to yours. You may feel guilt or frustration because you are struggling with your physical or mental health concerns.
 
There is a community around you that is going through what you are right now. OSISS can help you tap into our community and its compassion, wisdom and experience. Whether it is one-on-one or group activities, you have the choice of what type of support to participate in. Your first step is to contact an OSISS Coordinator. They will provide hope, acceptance and non-judgement as someone who has walked in your shoes. 

OSISS interactions are kept confidential and respectful, at all times. We always ensure your safety is paramount. 

PTSD Coach Canada: 

The PTSD Coach Canada mobile app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that can occur after trauma.

Features include: 
•    Reliable and current information on PTSD and about treatments that are effective 
•    Tools for screening and tracking your symptoms 
•    Convenient, easy-to-use tools to help you manage stress symptoms 
•    Information on crisis support and how to get help 
 
Websites and Phone Lines: 

• Veterans Affairs Canada  
• Soldier On  
• Royal Canadian Legion  
• Canadian Mental Health Association 
• CFMAP (Canadian Forces Members Assistance/Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Line): 1-800-268-7708 
• Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Program: 1-800-268-7708