If you’re thinking about suicide, 9-8-8 is here to help. Call or text Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime.

You are currently on the:

CMHA National

Visit our provincial websites

June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day 

CMHA Niagara and organizations worldwide recognize June 27 as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by traumatic events like natural disasters, accidents, war, or assaults. Symptoms include unwanted thoughts or dreams, physical responses, strong negative emotions, and loss of interest in activities. A person with PTSD could experience the event themselves or witness it happening to others. 

If you’re struggling, please reach out for support. CMHA Niagara offers resources for those living with PTSD and other mental health issues including Same-day Counselling, Ontario Structured Psychotherapy, Group Counselling, Real Work Specialized Employment Program, Case Management, Court Diversion and Support, Transitional and Supportive Housing Programs, Safe Beds, Crisis Outreach & Support Team, Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team.

While anyone can be affected by PTSD, first responders (health care workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and corrections staff) are at higher risk due to workplace stress. Women, refugees, and Indigenous people are also statistically at higher risk. 

To support first responders, particularly firefighters, CMHA Ontario offers the Resilient MindsTM program. This peer-to-peer, skill-building initiative is designed by and for career and volunteer firefighters. It helps develop strategies to manage occupational stress and build resilience. You can learn more at resilientmindsontario.ca. 

Firefighters interested in registering for the Resilient Minds or Train-the-Trainer courses can check out July dates at Resilient Minds REGISTRATIONS (cmha.ca). Spots are limited. 

Additionally, an infosheet on understanding trauma can be found at the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health.  

Not all wounds are visible. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a hidden struggle many face. PTSD stems from exposure to intense trauma like the threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence. If you need support or want to support someone else, reach out and learn more about ways to help: (link)

Together, we can raise awareness and show compassion for ourselves and others.

SHARE THIS CONTENT
Skip to content