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Military will encourage discussion of combat stress

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http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090625/PTSD_campaign_090625/20090625?hub=Canada

Military will encourage discussion of combat stress

Updated Thu. Jun. 25 2009 7:37 AM ET

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA -- The Canadian military will launch a campaign Thursday to bring the suffering of mental illness -- particularly post-traumatic stress disorder -- out of the shadows.

But just like the individuals who struggle to openly discuss what ails them, the Department of National Defence wrestled with whether the awareness campaign would be made public or aimed strictly at military personnel.

Notice of the long-planned event, at which members of the Forces will lay bare their struggles, only came out Wednesday after intense internal discussion in the wake of last week's House of Commons defence committee report. That report recommended military leadership publicly fight off the stigma that exists among soldiers over PTSD.

The launch of the awareness campaign occurs against the background of the ongoing military police investigation into the suspected suicide of Maj. Michelle Mendes in Afghanistan last April.

The campaign's message that it's "alright to hurt" won't be difficult for Gen. Walter Natynczyk to deliver.

His concern for the well-being of the soldiers, sailors and aircrew who've put themselves in harm's way is well known in military circles. But as an organization built on bullet-proof toughness, the Canadian Forces has grappled with conceding the frailties of human beings.

Outside organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Mental Health Commission of Canada will be among the pillars of the campaign aimed at a "better sharing of ideas" on stress disorders, said a defence insider.

It's expected more resources will be set aside to further expand the number of Joint Personnel Support Units, which allow soldiers to seek one-stop service for injuries.

National Defence said it's committed to expanding and enriching programs aimed at preventing, identifying and treating mental health issues.

The Commons committee, in its exhaustive year-long study, recommended that not only the "prejudice of mental illness" be expelled from military culture but that leaders be better trained to spot PTSD and deal with it among the rank and file.

Even with added emphasis and acceptance of mental health problems, defence officials conceded reshaping attitudes will not happen overnight.

"These things take a long time and they take longer in an enclosed environment like the (Canadian Forces)," said a defence insider.

There has been a steady increase in cries for help from soldiers and their families as the war rages in Afghanistan accompanied by the horrors of the unpredictable desert battlefield.

The House of Commons defence committee heard expert testimony that of some 27,000 soldiers and aircrew who have rotated through Afghanistan since 2002, approximately 3,640 members are expected to exhibit some sort of mental health concern. Of those, roughly 1,120 could exhibit symptoms of PTSD.

The estimate is based upon a mathematical model.

Liberal MP Dan McTeague, an advocate for wounded soldiers, said the solution is more than just clinical.

He said he believes the divide within the military between soldiers who've served in places like Afghanistan and those who haven't is the starting point for addressing traumatic stress.

Many soldiers who've come to him for assistance after multiple tours say they feel out-of-place in their old surroundings.

"It's almost like there is two distinct armed forces when you consider the experiences," McTeague said Wednesday.

"The message I think the brass at the Department of National Defence has to come to grips with is that reducing stress on soldiers starts with recognizing the difference. Soldiers have said to me the biggest challenge is to have my superiors understand what has happen and appreciate the context of what I've been through."


© 2009 CTVglobemedia All Rights Reserved.
 
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/media-advisory-chief-of-the,872631.shtml


OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- 06/24/09 -- Media representatives are invited to attend the launch of the Canadian Forces (CF) Mental Health Awareness Campaign, occurring June 25, at National Defence Headquarters.

This internal awareness campaign is part of the CF's long-term commitment to expanding and enriching programs aimed at preventing, identifying and treating mental health issues.

General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, will speak on the campaign's theme of "Be the Difference," which communicates the idea that all personnel can make a difference to those affected by mental health issues. Additionally, currently serving CF personnel will share their experiences with mental health issues, including what was helpful to them.

Where: National Defence Headquarters' concourse, 101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa

Date: June 25, 2009

Time: 12:45 p.m. for a 1:45 p.m. start

Note to editors: Media are requested to confirm their attendance by calling our Media Liaison Office no later than 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, at 613-996-2353/1-866-377-0811, or by contacting Linda Coleman at 613-992-4452 or by e-mail at the following address: Linda.Coleman@forces.gc.ca

Accredited media representatives are required to arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. in order to allow sufficient time for pre-brief and set-up. People arriving after the designated time will not be accommodated. For access, please clear through the security checkpoint off Nicholas Street and enter the building through the media entrance beside the parking lot. A public affairs representative will be there to escort media. Parking will not be available on site. Due to technical reasons, live coverage of the event will not be possible.

Contacts:
Information: 613-996-2353/1-866-377-0811
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca
 
....from the CF news release:
OTTAWA – General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, launched today the Canadian Forces (CF) Mental Health Awareness Campaign, which has the dual aim of educating CF personnel on mental health issues, and building a culture of understanding. The campaign’s theme of “Be the Difference” communicates the idea that all personnel can make a difference to those affected by mental health issues.

“Not all injuries are visible and we have to be very open about that, to come out of the shadows to embrace the treatment of these very real injuries,” said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “I’m very proud that the Canadian Forces are launching this program to do more, and we will continue to do more.”

The campaign is one result of the CF’s long-term commitment to improving oversight and engagement regarding mental health issues.

“Operational stress injuries and mental health issues affect our personnel, their units, operational effectiveness, family and friends,” said General Natynczyk.  “All of us in the CF, regardless of rank, have a responsibility to take care of one another and to help those in need.”

The launch ceremony brought together CF leadership, military personnel with experience in mental health issues, and representatives from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).

“We are pleased to be able to help bring home the message that mental health is just as important as physical health in the CF,” said Dr. Taylor Alexander, CEO, CMHA, National Office. “And we are honoured to be members, with the CF and Veterans Affairs Canada, of the Mental Health Services Advisory Committee, developing mental health programs for the military community.”

“We commend the CF for taking this important leadership role and for supporting the well-being of men and women in uniform,” said Michael Howlett, MHCC President and CEO. “We look forward to advancing our productive partnership with Canada’s military.”

The campaign builds on the success of two CF non-clinical programs: the Mental Health and Operational Stress Injury Joint Speakers Bureau, established in 2007 to educate the military community on mental health issues; and the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) network, an innovative peer-based intervention program established in 2001.
 
Jammer said:
That's crazy!!

As long as it's voluntary.
This has been around for a quarter century in the emergency services:
http://www.bryanbledsoe.com/data/pdf/mags/CISM%20(GA).pdf
http://www.bryanbledsoe.com/data/pdf/mags/Myth3.pdf
http://publicsafety.com/article/article.jsp?id=2026&siteSection=8
 
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