Today, we're speaking
with Fabrice Octeau,
a peer support coordinator
with the Operational Stress
Injury Social Support Program.
This national peer
support network
for Canadian Armed Forces
members, veterans
and their families
provides mentorship,
first-hand lived experience
and practical knowledge
for those with
an operational stress injury.
Thanks for joining us
today, Fabrice.
I was wondering if you could
give us a quick overview
of what an operational
stress injury is
and what are some
of the contributing factors.
Well, the OSISS program
which has just celebrated
its 20th year of existence
has developed the term
of "operational stress injury"
which we call "OSI"
which describe any persistence
psychological difficulties
resulting from
a military operational task,
including training incident,
domestic and international
operations.
There are different factors
and experiences
that can contribute to an OSI:
trauma or injury by impact,
grief, fatigue or moral injury.
When you have a difficulty
managing your emotions
such as mood swing, withdrawal,
social isolation, anger, feeling
of distress, helplessness,
aggression or impulsivity.
Your sleep is disturbed
and there is a loss of interest
in the activity of daily living,
you might have an OSI and you
should consult and ask for help.
And I understand
that this is a "for peers
by peers" support program.
Can you tell us more about what
it's like for the individual
when this is the approach?
Well, peer helpers
and peers with an OSI
share similar experiences
which helps to create
close bonds
and a climate of trust
and non-judgment.
Being able to look
at someone in the eyes
and see that they understand and
feel what you have experienced,
a resilient person
who listens to you,
who accompanies you
in the most difficult moments,
to whom you can confide
feelings, stories and cry,
well, this provides hope
and relief from your OSI.
For those who want
to reach out for themselves
or a loved one
who might be suffering
from an operational
stress injury,
how can they get support?
The best way to contact us is
by using our web page
at the osiss.ca
or by calling
our 1-800 number, 883-6094.
We will contact you and explain
the one-on-one support program
and possible peer
support groups,
the confidentiality
of our program.
We will accompany the peers
in the different stages
of their recovery,
support them
and their loved ones
and give them
hope and motivation
in the face of the various
changes that appear.
Above all, develop solutions
to the challenges that arise
and refer them
to the right people.
Because it's essential
to seek help
and support as soon as possible
to promote your recovery.
Absolutely. And I want
to thank you so much
for joining us today, Fabrice.
You're welcome
and thanks again from
the program and myself. Bye.
♪