Members of the Canadian Armed Forces march during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 8, 2016.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
July 21, 2024 - 6:00 PM
A new mental health guide, created at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, is now available for first responders and military personnel in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Included in the guide is a list of 50 organizations spanning across 10 areas of support that may be of interest to military personnel or first responders in need. These areas include initiatives, charitable organizations, peer support networks, specialized treatment centres and innovative digital tools.
"First responders and military personnel face unique mental health challenges due to the nature of their work," TRU faculty member Dr. Kondrashov said in a media release. "This guide brings together resources from two countries, offering a valuable tool for those seeking support and for policymakers looking to improve mental health services."
Kondrashov, as well as research intern Sean Cahill, created the guide to assist in combating mental health problems revolving around first responders, military personnel, their families and caregivers to navigate this specialized area of mental health.
The guide includes information on peer support, government led initiatives, online resources and apps, insights into occupational health services and training resources, as well as listings of research and advocacy organizations.
"This project exemplifies the value of international collaboration and the importance of recognizing students' strengths in research," Kondrashov said. "By leveraging Sean's practical experience in the UK and our academic expertise, we've created a resource that has significant societal benefits."
The resource guide is available for download here.
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