Episodes

  • Parenting with a posttraumatic stress injury with Tabitha Beynen

    Parenting with a posttraumatic stress injury with Tabitha Beynen

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, Brian and Laryssa are joined by Tabitha Beynen, a former Air Force medic and single parent navigating the complexities of balancing personal well-being and parenting while living with a posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI).

    They discuss:

    Managing personal well-being while caring for a childFinding balance as a single parentHealthy coping mechanisms for difficult daysEmotional numbing and the impacts in can have on relationshipsPrioritizing self-care and seeking supportThe importance of open communication with children and youth about mental health

    Tabitha Beynen, Master Corporal (Ret’d) is a Lived Expertise Lead — Veterans at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.

    Resources:

    What are posttraumatic stress injuries?

    For Families: Supporting yourself when your loved one is struggling with a posttraumatic stress injury

    MindKit — a mental health education hub for young Family members of Veterans living with a PTSI

    Storybooks for military children — Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services

    A guide to working with military kids — Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services

    Warrior Kids, an evidence-informed program that builds resilient children and youth impacted by a parental operational stress injury — Wounded Warriors Canada

    Strongest Families Institute


    Être parent avec une blessure de stress post-traumatique avec Tabitha Beynen

    Dans cet Ă©pisode de L’Esprit au-delĂ  de la mission, Brian et Laryssa sont rejoints par Tabitha Beynen, une ancienne infirmiĂšre des forces aĂ©riennes et mĂšre cĂ©libataire qui doit faire face Ă  la complexitĂ© de l'Ă©quilibre entre le bien-ĂȘtre personnel et le rĂŽle de parent tout en vivant avec une blessure de stress post-traumatique (BSPT).

    Ils discutent :

    GĂ©rer son bien-ĂȘtre personnel tout en s'occupant d'un enfantTrouver un Ă©quilibre en tant que parent isolĂ©MĂ©canismes d'adaptation sains pour les jours difficilesL'engourdissement Ă©motionnel et les consĂ©quences qu'il peut avoir sur les relationsPrioritĂ© aux soins personnels et Ă  la recherche de soutienL'importance d'une communication ouverte avec les enfants et les jeunes sur la santĂ© mentale


    Tabitha Beynen, caporale-chef (retraitée), est responsable de l'expertise vécue des vétérans à l'Institut Atlas pour les vétérans et les familles.

    Ressources :

    Qu'est-ce que le stress post-traumatique ?

    Pour les familles : Vous soutenir lorsque votre proche est aux prises avec une blessure de stress post-traumatique

    MindKit, un centre d'éducation à la santé mentale pour les jeunes membres de la famille d'un vétéran souffrant d'un syndrome de stress post-traumatique (PTSI)

    Livres de contes pour les enfants de militaires — Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services

  • Combating the silence around suicide with Dennis Mackenzie

    Combating the silence around suicide with Dennis Mackenzie

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    An overwhelming number of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans and their Families are directly and profoundly impacted by suicide loss. Yet, few know where, how or when to talk about it — or if it should even be discussed at all.

    How soon is too soon? What happens when it's too late? What should one even say?

    Dennis Mackenzie lost 10 friends while serving in Afghanistan in 2007. In the years since then, he has lost many more to suicide. Dennis now devotes himself to sharing his experiences and advocating for more open conversation and support surrounding suicide in the Veteran and Family community.

    He joined Brian and Laryssa to discuss:

    The prevalence and impacts of suicide among Veterans and their loved onesPsychological and emotional challenges uniquely faced by service membersStrategies for coping with and healing through loss by suicideWhy it’s important to advocate and raise awareness around suicide in the Veteran and Family communityHow support systems and community can help people who are at riskWhat kind of language to use in discussing suicideThe therapeutic benefits of being involved in projects and activities that support personal well-being

    While it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to turn for Veterans and Family members impacted by suicidal thoughts and behaviours, it is important to know there are tools and resources available to help and support yourself or a loved one.

    Resources

    Suicide prevention for Veterans and Family membersMilitary and RCMP Veterans and suicide prevention — a toolkit of practical information and guidanceLooking after yourself and others — a toolkit of practical information and guidance on suicide prevention for Veteran FamiliesA guide for people and Families struggling with suicide — St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton The Guardian Angel Platoon — music that healsSupport options from Soldier On9-8-8 — Suicide Crisis HelplineMedia guidelines for reporting on Veterans, with a focus on PTSD and suicide — Atlas Institute

    Note: This podcast episode makes several references to suicide. We encourage you to care for your safety and well-being, and pause the episode at any time if you are experiencing distress. Please visit our directory of services if you need support or download our suicide prevention resources for Veterans and Families.

    If you are in distress, please call or text 9-8-8 for immediate support.

    Dennis Mackenzie a perdu dix amis lors de son service en Afghanistan en 2007. Au cours des années qui ont suivi, il en a perdu beaucoup d'autres par suicide. Dennis se consacre maintenant au partage de ses expériences et à la promotion d'une conversation plus ouverte et d'un meilleur soutien autour du suicide dans la communauté des vétérans et des familles.

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  • The power of peer support

    The power of peer support

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    Peer support can be described as having someone meet you where you are and walk alongside you in your journey. It can look different for everyone, but it boils down to a supportive relationship between people who share a common lived and living experience.

    In this episode, hosts Brian McKenna and Laryssa Lamrock discuss the profound impacts of peer support within the Veteran and Family community, including the role peer support has played in their own lives and well-being.

    Key topics

    The value and impact of peer support among Veterans and their FamiliesFinding emotional connections versus sharing traumatic detailsSupport strategies for Families and friendsThe role and importance of boundaries in peer supportRecognizing the scope of peer support and identifying when additional clinical support is neededWhat casual, informal peer support can look like in daily lifeSuggestions for finding a credible and relatable peer supporter for Veterans and Veteran Family membersHow peer support can help in the process of transitioning to post-military lifeDifferent types of peer support approaches and how they can complement each other

    Resources

    What is peer support?Peer support program directoryThe Royal Canadian Legion — Veteran peer support programsWounded Warriors Canada — Peer support training for first respondersMilitary sexual trauma peer support programOperational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)



    Le soutien par les pairs peut ĂȘtre dĂ©crit comme le fait d'avoir quelqu'un qui vous rencontre lĂ  oĂč vous ĂȘtes et qui vous accompagne dans votre parcours. Il peut ĂȘtre diffĂ©rent pour chacun, mais il se rĂ©sume Ă  une relation de soutien entre des personnes qui partagent une expĂ©rience de vie commune.

    Dans cet Ă©pisode, les animateurs Brian McKenna et Laryssa Lamrock discutent des impacts profonds du soutien par les pairs au sein de la communautĂ© des vĂ©tĂ©rans et des familles, y compris le rĂŽle que le soutien par les pairs a jouĂ© dans leur propre vie et leur bien-ĂȘtre.

    ThÚmes clés

    La valeur et l'impact du soutien par les pairs chez les vétérans et leurs famillesTrouver des liens émotionnels plutÎt que de partager des détails traumatisantsStratégies de soutien pour les familles et les amisLe rÎle et l'importance des limites dans le soutien par les pairsReconnaßtre la portée du soutien par les pairs et identifier quand un soutien clinique supplémentaire est nécessaireCe à quoi peut ressembler un soutien par les pairs occasionnel et informel dans la vie de tous les joursSuggestions pour trouver un pair crédible et sympathique pour les vétérans et les membres de leur famille.

    Ressources

    Qu’est-ce que le soutien par les pairs?Soutien social aux blessĂ©s de stress opĂ©rationnel (SSBSO)
  • ‘When am I his wife?’ Exploring compassion fatigue with Dr. J Don Richardson

    ‘When am I his wife?’ Exploring compassion fatigue with Dr. J Don Richardson

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    “Am I burnt out or just tired?”

    “Am I sick or am I just fatigued?”

    “How can I be someone’s caregiver and their spouse at the same time?”

    These are questions that are often asked by Veteran Family members supporting a loved one with a health concern. Family members may sometimes find themselves shifting from “spouse mode” to “caregiver mode” and back again several times a day, which can be exhausting. It’s natural to want to care for your loved one when they need support, but it can lead to compassion fatigue or burnout if you don’t prioritize your own well-being.

    So how do you make self-care a priority while also juggling the weight of responsibility and expectation that come with caregiving for a loved one? Dr. J Don Richardson, Medical Advisor at the Atlas Institute, joined Brian and Laryssa to discuss:

    how compassion fatigue impacts Veteran Familieskey signs and symptoms of compassion fatigueself-care strategies for maintaining your own well-beingguidance on coping with compassion fatigue, andwhat the recovery journey can look like.

    Compassion fatigue affects many Veteran Families, but it’s important to know there are resources are available for managing and preventing it.

    Resources

    Veteran Family Virtual Summit 2024Resources for Families and friendsPerspectives blog — “I love my job” by Laryssa LamrockPerspectives blog — “I see you, I am you” by Polliann MaherMind Beyond the Mission episode 2 — “And their Families”Compassion fatigue: Signs, symptoms and how to cope


    « Suis-je épuisé(e) ou simplement fatigué(e) »"

    « Suis-je malade ou simplement épuisé(e) ? »

    « Comment puis-je ĂȘtre Ă  la fois l’aidant(e) et le ou la conjoint(e) d’une personne ? »

    Ce sont des questions que se posent souvent les membres de la famille d'un vĂ©tĂ©ran qui s'occupent d'un proche atteint d'un problĂšme de santĂ©. Les membres de la famille se retrouvent parfois Ă  passer du « mode conjoint » au « mode soignant » et vice-versa plusieurs fois par jour, ce qui peut ĂȘtre Ă©puisant. Il est naturel de vouloir s'occuper de l'ĂȘtre cher lorsqu'il a besoin de soutien, mais cela peut mener Ă  l'usure de la compassion ou Ă  l'Ă©puisement professionnel si vous n'accordez pas la prioritĂ© Ă  votre propre bien-ĂȘtre.

    Alors, comment faire du soin de soi une prioritĂ© tout en jonglant avec le poids des responsabilitĂ©s et des attentes qui accompagnent la prise en charge d'un proche ? Le Dr J Don Richardson, conseiller mĂ©dical Ă  l'Institut Atlas, s’est joint Ă  Brian et Laryssa pour discuter :

    l'usure de la compassion sur les familles de vĂ©tĂ©ransprincipaux signes et symptĂŽmes de l'usure de compassiondes stratĂ©gies d'autosoins pour maintenir son propre bien-ĂȘtredes conseils pour faire face Ă  l’usure de compassion, etce Ă  quoi peut ressembler le parcours de rĂ©tablissement.

    L’usure de compassion touche de nombreuses familles de vĂ©tĂ©rans, mais il est important de savoir qu'il existe des ressources pour la gĂ©rer et la prĂ©venir.

  • Walking on eggshells: When does anger become problematic?

    Walking on eggshells: When does anger become problematic?

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    Anger is a natural human emotion. Anger can motivate you, give you a sense of strength and help you react quickly to threats. Although many people think that being angry is wrong or inappropriate, anger itself is not a problem. For many Veterans, it was often integral to their missions and survival. However, the behaviours that stem from this emotion have the potential to become problematic.

    For Family members, it can be difficult to have a loved one with problematic anger, even when knowing their anger is a symptom of their posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI). While anger is a normal emotion that assists us in difficult situations and helps us to understand what's important to us, it can be a problem for Veterans if it is expressed in harmful ways or persists for a long time.

    Polly Maher, Lived Experience Lead — Families at the Atlas Institute joins Brian and Laryssa to share her perspective as a Family member of a spouse with a PTSI in an open and vulnerable discussion on when anger becomes problematic.

    Resources

    Equine-assisted therapy for operational stress injuriesCouples resiliency program by Wounded Warriors CanadaMind Beyond the Mission episode 4 — ‘Why is communication so hard?’


    La colĂšre est une Ă©motion humaine naturelle. Elle peut vous motiver, vous donner un sentiment de force et vous aider Ă  rĂ©agir rapidement aux menaces. Bien que de nombreuses personnes pensent qu'il est mal ou inappropriĂ© d'ĂȘtre en colĂšre, la colĂšre en soi n'est pas un problĂšme. Pour de nombreux vĂ©tĂ©rans, elle faisait souvent partie intĂ©grante de leur mission et de leur survie. Toutefois, les comportements qui dĂ©coulent de cette Ă©motion peuvent devenir problĂ©matiques.

    Pour les membres de la famille, il peut ĂȘtre difficile d'avoir un ĂȘtre cher qui a des problĂšmes de colĂšre, mĂȘme si l'on sait que la colĂšre est un symptĂŽme de la blessure de stress post-traumatique (BSPT). Bien que la colĂšre soit une Ă©motion normale qui nous aide Ă  faire face aux situations difficiles et Ă  comprendre ce qui est important pour nous, elle peut devenir un problĂšme pour les vĂ©tĂ©rans si elle est exprimĂ©e de façon nuisible ou si elle persiste pendant une longue pĂ©riode.

    Polly Maher, responsable de l'expĂ©rience vĂ©cue pour les familles Ă  l'Institut Atlas, se joint Ă  Brian et Laryssa pour partager son point de vue en tant que membre de la famille d'un conjoint atteint d'une BSPT, dans le cadre d'une discussion ouverte et vulnĂ©rable sur le moment oĂč la colĂšre devient problĂ©matique.

    Ressources

    ThĂ©rapie Ă©quine pour les blessures liĂ©es au stress opĂ©rationnelProgramme de rĂ©silience des couples par Wounded Warriors CanadaÉpisode 4 de L’esprit au-delĂ  de la mission — « Pourquoi la communication est-elle si difficile? »
  • Your own brand of courage with Andrew and Elizabeth Gough

    Your own brand of courage with Andrew and Elizabeth Gough

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    Andrew and Elizabeth Gough join Brian and Laryssa on this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission to speak about the distinctive experiences of Reservist Families, including around community, connection and accessing care. The Reserve Force is an integral component of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), with Reserve Force units existing in hundreds of communities across Canada and the world.

    They joined Brian and Laryssa to speak about the realities of balancing civilian life with their roles in a Reservist Family. They share their experiences with mental health injuries, the importance of peer support and how they cultivated a deep sense of belonging within the military and Veteran community.

    Andrew Gough, CD, is a CAF Veteran, a serving Reservist and a medically retired police officer. Elizabeth is a human services professional, a dedicated community leader, a mom and a Veteran Family member. Andrew and Elizabeth are both fierce advocates working to raise awareness about the mental health and well-being of Veterans and first responders.

    Resources

    Stronger than you know campaign Public safety personnel and posttraumatic stress injuriesStories from Veterans and Families Veteran Family Virtual Summit 2024Resources for Families and friendsV-Eh! Veterans and Everyday HeroesCanadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services



    Andrew et Elizabeth Gough se joignent à Brian et Laryssa dans cet épisode de L'esprit au-delà de la mission pour parler des expériences particuliÚres des familles de réservistes, notamment en ce qui concerne la communauté, les liens et l'accÚs aux soins. La Force de réserve fait partie intégrante des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC), et des unités de la Force de réserve existent dans des centaines de communautés à travers le Canada et le monde.

    Ils se sont joints à Brian et Laryssa pour parler des réalités de l'équilibre entre la vie civile et leur rÎle au sein d'une famille de réservistes. Ils ont parlé de leur expérience avec les blessures liées à la santé mentale, de l'importance du soutien par les pairs et de la façon dont ils ont cultivé un profond sentiment d'appartenance au sein de la communauté militaire et des vétérans.

    Andrew Gough, CD, est un vétéran des FAC, un réserviste en service et un policier à la retraite pour raisons médicales. Elizabeth est une professionnelle des services à la personne, une leader communautaire dévouée, une mÚre et un membre de la famille d'un vétéran.

    Ressources

    Campagne « Stronger than you know » (Plus fort que vous ne le pensez) Personnel de la sĂ©curitĂ© publique et blessures de stress post-traumatique (BSPT)Histoires de vĂ©tĂ©rans et de famillesSommet virtuel pour les familles de vĂ©tĂ©rans 2024Ressources pour les familles et les amis V-Eh! VĂ©tĂ©rans et les hĂ©ros de tous les jours Services de bien-ĂȘtre et moral des Forces canadiennes
  • Losing your life's calling with Mark and Donna Campbell

    Losing your life's calling with Mark and Donna Campbell

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    Major (Ret’d) Mark Campbell was wounded in 2008 while serving in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He lost both of his legs and his military career came to a sudden halt after 34 years of service. That instant in time marked a massive transformation in Mark’s life and that of his wife Donna, herself a Warrant Officer with 30 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Mark and Donna joined Brian and Laryssa to reflect on Mark’s injury and what it meant for his military career, the significant impacts on his Family and the mental toll of leaving behind his life’s calling due to circumstances not of his choosing. They highlight how critical it was to foster resilience as individuals and as a Family unit. The Campbell Family also sheds light on a few of the programs they recommend, including Soldier On and the Veterans Transition Network.

    Resources

    Peer support program directorySoldier OnVeterans Benefits Guide 2023Veterans Transition Network



    Le major (retraitĂ©) Mark Campbell a Ă©tĂ© blessĂ© en 2008 alors qu'il servait en Afghanistan avec le 3e bataillon du Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Il a perdu ses deux jambes et sa carriĂšre militaire s'est brutalement arrĂȘtĂ©e aprĂšs 34 ans de service.

    Cet instant a marquĂ© une transformation radicale dans la vie de Mark et de sa femme Donna, elle-mĂȘme adjudant avec 30 ans de service dans les Forces armĂ©es canadiennes.

    Mark et Donna se sont joints à Brian et Laryssa pour réfléchir à la blessure de Mark et à ce qu'elle signifiait pour sa carriÚre militaire, aux conséquences importantes pour sa famille et à l'impact mental de l'abandon de la vocation de sa vie en raison de circonstances qu'il n'avait pas choisies. Ils soulignent à quel point il était essentiel de favoriser la résilience en tant qu'individus et en tant qu'unité familiale. La famille Campbell fait également la lumiÚre sur quelques-uns des programmes qu'elle recommande, notamment Sans limites et le Réseau de transition des vétérans.

    Ressources

    Répertoire des programmes de soutien par les pairsSans limitesGuide des prestations pour anciens combattants 2023Réseau de transition des vétérans
  • Neurofeedback therapy with Andrew Nicholson, PhD

    Neurofeedback therapy with Andrew Nicholson, PhD

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    When people develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), certain parts of their brain can be over- or underactivated, triggering thoughts, emotions, moods and behaviours that can be unhelpful or distressing. These responses can be unconscious and happen very quickly, making them hard to manage.

    Neurofeedback therapy helps people learn how to self-control brain activity and regulate PTSD symptoms. Dr. Andrew Nicholson, Clinical Research Director at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, joined Brian and Laryssa for an open discussion on neurofeedback therapy and how it’s not only a promising treatment for PTSD, but also validates the experiences of people living with it and other “invisible” illnesses by providing a way for them to be tangibly measured and seen on brain scans.

    They explore how neurofeedback therapy can help Veterans regulate and significantly reduce their PTSD symptoms by training their brains. In fact, results of a recent collaborative international study by the Atlas Institute, Western University and the University of Geneva showed that over 60% of participants who received neurofeedback therapy not only experienced symptom reduction, they also no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD by the end of the trial.

    Resources

    About neurofeedback therapyAccessing neurofeedback therapy through VAC benefitsNeurofeedback: A promising new treatment for PTSD fact sheetClinical trial shows neurofeedback training can help reset brainwaves and with emotion regulation in people with PTSD: FAQs

    Journal articles

    Increased top-down control of emotions during symptom provocation working memory tasks following a RCT of alpha-down neurofeedback in PTSDHomeostatic normalization of alpha brain rhythms within the default-mode network and reduced symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder following a randomized controlled trial of electroencephalogram neurofeedbackPosterior cingulate cortex targeted real-time fMRI neurofeedback recalibrates functional connectivity with the amygdala, posterior insula, and default-mode network in PTSD


    Lorsqu'une personne dĂ©veloppe un trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT), certaines parties de son cerveau peuvent ĂȘtre suractivĂ©es ou sous-activĂ©es, ce qui dĂ©clenche des pensĂ©es, des Ă©motions, des humeurs et des comportements qui peuvent ĂȘtre inutiles ou pĂ©nibles. Ces rĂ©actions peuvent ĂȘtre inconscientes et se produire trĂšs rapidement, ce qui les rend difficiles Ă  gĂ©rer.

    La thĂ©rapie par la rĂ©troaction neurologique aide les gens Ă  apprendre Ă  contrĂŽler eux-mĂȘmes l'activitĂ© de leur cerveau et Ă  rĂ©guler les symptĂŽmes du trouble de stress post-traumatique. Andrew Nicholson, directeur de la recherche clinique Ă  l'Institut Atlas pour les vĂ©tĂ©rans et leur famille, a rejoint Brian et Laryssa pour une discussion sur la thĂ©rapie par la rĂ©troaction neurologique et sur le fait qu'il s'agit non seulement d'un traitement prometteur pour le TSPT, mais aussi d'un moyen de valider les expĂ©riences des personnes vivant avec le TSPT et d'autres maladies "invisibles" en leur fournissant un moyen de les mesurer et de les voir de maniĂšre tangible sur les scanners cĂ©rĂ©braux.

  • Sex and posttraumatic stress injury with Dr. Candice Monson

    Sex and posttraumatic stress injury with Dr. Candice Monson

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    Posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs) can have many impacts on health and well-being. This can create unique challenges when it comes to fostering and maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones. Many Veterans and Family members living with PTSIs face struggles with sex and intimacy, and stigma around the subject can make it uncomfortable to talk about or seek support.

    Dr. Candice Monson is one of the foremost experts on traumatic stress and the use of individual and conjoint therapies for PTSD. For nearly 30 years, Candice has provided trauma-informed therapy to individuals and couples with PTSIs. She regularly facilitates trainings for health care providers on trauma-informed therapies for Veterans and Veteran Families. She joined Brian and Laryssa for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about sex and intimacy and the unique challenges Veterans and their Families experience. They explore tangible tips and takeaways for regaining intimacy with a partner, managing PTSI symptoms that can affect intimacy, overcoming guilt and shame, working through feelings of resentment and more.

    Resources

    PTSD and some treatment options

    What are PTSIs?

    Nellie Health

    Couple HOPES

    Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday



    Les blessures de stress post-traumatiques (BSPT) peuvent avoir de nombreux impacts sur la santĂ© et le bien-ĂȘtre. Cela peut crĂ©er des dĂ©fis uniques lorsqu’il s’agit de favoriser et de maintenir des relations saines avec les proches. De nombreux vĂ©tĂ©rans et membres de leur famille vivant avec un TSPT sont confrontĂ©s Ă  des difficultĂ©s en matiĂšre de sexualitĂ© et d’intimitĂ©, et la stigmatisation qui entoure le sujet peut rendre difficile le fait d’en parler ou de chercher du soutien.

    Candice Monson est l’une des plus grandes spĂ©cialistes du stress traumatique et de l’utilisation des thĂ©rapies individuelles et conjointes pour le trouble de stress post-traumatique. Depuis prĂšs de 30 ans, Candice propose des thĂ©rapies tenant compte des traumatismes aux personnes et aux couples vivant avec le TSPT. Elle anime rĂ©guliĂšrement des formations pour les fournisseurs de soins de santĂ© sur les thĂ©rapies tenant compte des traumatismes pour les vĂ©tĂ©rans et leurs familles. Elle s’est jointe Ă  Brian et Laryssa pour une conversation puissante et vulnĂ©rable sur le sexe et l’intimitĂ© et sur les dĂ©fis uniques auxquels sont confrontĂ©s les vĂ©tĂ©rans et leurs familles. Ils ont explorĂ© des conseils concrets pour retrouver l’intimitĂ© avec un partenaire, gĂ©rer les symptĂŽmes du trouble de stress post-traumatique qui peuvent affecter l’intimitĂ©, surmonter la culpabilitĂ© et la honte, travailler sur les sentiments de ressentiment et plus encore.

    Ressources

    Le TSPT et quelques options de traitement

    Qu’est-ce que le Trouble de stress post-traumatique ?

    Nellie Health

    Couple HOPES

    Couples qui surmontent le TSPT au quotidien

  • Posttraumatic growth with RCMP Veteran Jason Anderson

    Posttraumatic growth with RCMP Veteran Jason Anderson

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    Posttraumatic growth can be defined as, “positive personal changes that result from the survival struggle to deal with trauma and its psychological consequences.” The process of traumatic growth can lead to improved relationships with others, more compassion, openness, appreciation for life, spiritual growth, and personal strength. This personal growth extends beyond pre-trauma functioning.

    Jason Anderson has a deep personal understanding of the impacts of posttraumatic growth. After serving in the RCMP for twenty years, Jason medically retired in 2021, three years after being diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, Jason joins Brian and Laryssa to speak about his own PTSD diagnosis, and how his posttraumatic growth has helped in both his personal life and his work as a Registered Social Worker specializing in trauma-informed therapies.

    Croissance post-traumatique avec Jason Anderson, vétéran de la GRC

    La croissance post-traumatique peut ĂȘtre dĂ©finie comme "les changements personnels positifs qui rĂ©sultent de la lutte pour la survie face au traumatisme et Ă  ses consĂ©quences psychologiques". Le processus de croissance post-traumatique peut conduire Ă  une amĂ©lioration des relations avec les autres, Ă  plus de compassion, d'ouverture d'esprit, d'apprĂ©ciation de la vie, de croissance spirituelle et de force personnelle. Cette croissance personnelle va au-delĂ  du fonctionnement antĂ©rieur au traumatisme.

    Jason Anderson a une comprĂ©hension personnelle profonde des impacts de la croissance post-traumatique. AprĂšs avoir servi dans la GRC pendant vingt ans, Jason a pris sa retraite mĂ©dicale en 2021, trois ans aprĂšs avoir reçu un diagnostic de trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT). Dans cet Ă©pisode de L’Esprit au-delĂ  de la Mission Jason se joint Ă  Brian et Laryssa pour parler de son propre diagnostic de TSPT et de la façon dont sa croissance post-traumatique l'a aidĂ© Ă  la fois dans sa vie personnelle et dans son travail en tant que travailleur social agrĂ©Ă© spĂ©cialisĂ© dans les thĂ©rapies tenant compte des traumatismes.

  • Kiev looks like Saravejo with Scott Casey

    Kiev looks like Saravejo with Scott Casey

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    The ongoing situation in Ukraine has significant potential impact on the mental health and well-being of Canadian Veterans and their Family members. Watching events unfold, including images of conflict, can be not only distressing but also re-traumatizing. Many Veterans have shared that they feel like they are re-living their mission in Sarajevo. Family members of Veterans are observing and supporting firsthand the inner turmoil and conflict that many Veterans are struggling with.

    Scott Casey served as a peacekeeper in the Royal Canadian Regiment during the siege of Sarajevo in 1992. Now three decades later he finds himself struggling to watch the conflict in Ukraine, yet often unable to take his eyes off of it. Scott joins Bryan and Laryssa for an open conversation about the aspects of the situation in Ukraine which make it so difficult to watch from afar. They discuss the distinct differences and similarities to the Balkans region where tens of thousands of CAF members worked to restore peace and security. They share about the return of memories, flashbacks and nightmares that had previously subsided, offer exercises and tips for coping with these challenges, and explore the unique experiences of Veteran Family members supporting their loved ones through these complex circumstances.

    In addition to his service with the Royal Canadian Regiment, Scott Casey is the president of Military Minds Inc., a global organization dedicated to overcoming the stigma associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He founded The Rolling Barrage, a cross-country motorcycle ride to raise funds and awareness, and to overcome the stigma associated with PTSD and operational stress injuries. He is also the author of Ghostkeepers, which looks deep into the CAF’s peacekeeping mission in the former Yugoslavia.


    La situation qui prĂ©vaut actuellement en Ukraine pourrait avoir des rĂ©percussions importantes sur la santĂ© mentale et le bien-ĂȘtre des vĂ©tĂ©rans canadiens et des membres de leur famille. Regarder les Ă©vĂ©nements se dĂ©rouler, y compris les images de conflit, peut ĂȘtre non seulement angoissant, mais aussi retraumatisant. De nombreux vĂ©tĂ©rans ont dit avoir l'impression de revivre leur mission Ă  Sarajevo. Les membres des familles des vĂ©tĂ©rans observent et appuient de maniĂšre directe l'agitation intĂ©rieure et les conflits auxquels font face de nombreux anciens vĂ©tĂ©rans.

    Scott Casey a servi comme gardien de la paix dans le Royal Canadian Regiment pendant le siĂšge de Sarajevo en 1992. Aujourd'hui, trois dĂ©cennies plus tard, il a du mal Ă  suivre le conflit en Ukraine, tout en Ă©tant souvent incapable de le quitter des yeux. Scott rejoint Bryan et Laryssa pour une conversation ouverte sur les aspects de la situation en Ukraine qui la rendent si difficile Ă  observer de loin. Ils discutent des diffĂ©rences et des similitudes avec la rĂ©gion des Balkans oĂč des dizaines de milliers de membres des FAC ont travaillĂ© pour rĂ©tablir la paix et la sĂ©curitĂ©. Ils parlent du retour de souvenirs, de flashbacks et de cauchemars qui avaient disparu, proposent des exercices et des conseils pour faire face Ă  ces dĂ©fis, et explorent les expĂ©riences uniques des membres des familles de vĂ©tĂ©rans qui soutiennent leurs proches dans ces circonstances complexes.

    Outre son service au sein du Royal Canadian Regiment, Scott Casey est président de Military Minds Inc. une organisation mondiale qui se consacre à la lutte contre la stigmatisation associée au trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT). Il a également fondé The Rolling Barrage.

  • Traumatic brain injury with Veteran & former CFL player Ryan Carey

    Traumatic brain injury with Veteran & former CFL player Ryan Carey

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as damage to the brain from applied force. It can come from hitting one’s head, or even from a strike to the body that jolts the head. Symptoms can range from being mild enough that they go unnoticed and untreated, to severe enough that an individual can be in a coma for a prolonged period of time.

    Military TBI has recently come to the forefront as one of the invisible wounds of war, caused by several aspects of combat including shock waves, breaching, exposure to explosive blasts, falls and the cumulative effects of these injuries. Traumatic brain injuries aren’t exclusive to Veterans— professional athletes also experience TBIs at alarming rates, and similarly to Veterans, they can go undiagnosed for years or even decades.

    This episode’s guest, Ryan Carey, offers a unique perspective on TBI as both a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and former Canadian Football League (CFL) player. Ryan was drafted 4th overall in the 1994 CFL draft and played for five years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He served as an infantry officer in the Royal Canadian Regiment from 2002 to 2016. Ryan is a brain donor and leader of Project Enlist, which brings awareness to head injuries in the military for the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada (CLFC). Ryan joins Brian and Laryssa in this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission to share his experiences in the CAF and the CFL. He talks about the specific experiences in the military that often contribute to TBIs, signs and symptoms to watch out for, and practical advice for living with a traumatic brain injury.


    Un traumatisme crĂąnio-cĂ©rĂ©bral (TCC) est une lĂ©sion cĂ©rĂ©brale causĂ©e par une force appliquĂ©e. Il peut ĂȘtre causĂ© par un coup Ă  la tĂȘte ou mĂȘme par un coup au corps qui secoue la tĂȘte. Les symptĂŽmes peuvent ĂȘtre suffisamment lĂ©gers pour passer inaperçus et ne pas ĂȘtre traitĂ©s jusqu’à ĂȘtre assez graves pour plonger une personne dans le coma pendant une pĂ©riode prolongĂ©e.

    Le TCC chez les membres des forces armĂ©es est rĂ©cemment passĂ© au premier plan comme Ă©tant l’une des blessures invisibles de la guerre, causĂ© par de nombreux aspects du combat, notamment les ondes de choc, l’ouverture de brĂšches, l’exposition au souffle des explosions, les chutes ainsi que les effets cumulatifs de ces blessures. Les traumatismes cĂ©rĂ©braux ne sont pas exclusifs aux vĂ©tĂ©rans – les athlĂštes professionnels subissent aussi des TCC Ă  un rythme alarmant et, comme les vĂ©tĂ©rans, ils peuvent passer inaperçus pendant des annĂ©es, voire des dĂ©cennies.

    Ryan Carey, l’invitĂ© de cet Ă©pisode, offre un point de vue unique sur le TCC en tant que vĂ©tĂ©ran des Forces armĂ©es canadiennes (FAC) et ancien joueur de la Ligue canadienne de football (LCF). Ryan a servi comme officier d’infanterie au sein du Royal Canadian Regiment de 2002 Ă  2016. Il a Ă©tĂ© repĂȘchĂ© au quatriĂšme rang de la LCF en 1994 et a jouĂ© pendant cinq ans avec les Blue Bombers de Winnipeg et les Roughriders de la Saskatchewan. Ryan dirige le projet S'enroler qui sensibilise les militaires aux traumatismes crĂąniens pour la Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada.

    Ryan se joint Ă  Brian et Ă  Laryssa dans cet Ă©pisode de L’esprit au-delĂ  de la mission pour raconter ses expĂ©riences au sein des FAC et de la LCF. Il parle des expĂ©riences particuliĂšres des militaires qui contribuent souvent aux traumatismes crĂąnio-cĂ©rĂ©braux, des signes et des symptĂŽmes Ă  surveiller et donne des conseils pratiques pour vivre avec un traumatisme cĂ©rĂ©bral.

  • Traumatic brain injury with Dr. Lyn Turkstra

    Traumatic brain injury with Dr. Lyn Turkstra

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain from applied force. It can come from hitting your head, or even from a strike to the body that jolts your head. Symptoms can range from being mild enough that they go unnoticed and untreated, to severe enough that an individual could be in a coma for a prolonged period of time. Military TBI has recently come to the forefront as one of the invisible wounds of war, caused by several aspects of combat including shock waves, breaching, exposure to explosive blasts, falls, and the cumulative effects of these injuries.

    Dr. Lyn Turkstra joins Brian and Laryssa on this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission to unpack: what can trigger a TBI, short and long-term symptoms, the differences and overlap between TBI and PTSD, how TBIs can impact Women and men differently, the gaps in our current understanding of TBIs and the wealth of ongoing research exploring TBIs including a cognitive rehabilitation study for Canadian Veterans co-led by Dr. Turkstra.

    Dr. Lyn Turkstra is Assistant Dean and Professor of Speech-Language Pathology in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University. A speech-language pathologist by training, Dr. Turkstra has over 30 years of experience working with individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).


    Un traumatisme cĂ©rĂ©bral (TCC) est une lĂ©sion cĂ©rĂ©brale causĂ©e par une force appliquĂ©e. Il peut ĂȘtre causĂ© par un coup Ă  la tĂȘte ou mĂȘme par un coup au corps qui secoue la tĂȘte. Les symptĂŽmes peuvent ĂȘtre suffisamment lĂ©gers pour passer inaperçus et ne pas ĂȘtre traitĂ©s jusqu’à ĂȘtre assez graves pour plonger une personne dans le coma pendant une pĂ©riode prolongĂ©e. Le TCC chez les membres des forces armĂ©es est rĂ©cemment passĂ© au premier plan comme Ă©tant l’une des blessures invisibles de la guerre, causĂ© par de nombreux aspects du combat, notamment les ondes de choc, l’ouverture de brĂšches, l’exposition au souffle des explosions, les chutes ainsi que les effets cumulatifs de ces blessures.

    La Dre Lyn Turkstra se joint Ă  Brian et Ă  Laryssa dans cet Ă©pisode de L’esprit au-delĂ  de la mission pour parler des Ă©lĂ©ments qui peuvent dĂ©clencher un TCC, des symptĂŽmes Ă  court et Ă  long terme, des diffĂ©rences et du chevauchement entre le TCC et le trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT), de la façon dont les TCC peuvent avoir diffĂ©rentes rĂ©percussions sur les femmes et sur les hommes, des lacunes dans notre comprĂ©hension actuelle des TCC et de la richesse des recherches en cours sur les TCC, y compris une Ă©tude sur la rĂ©adaptation cognitive pour les vĂ©tĂ©rans canadiens dirigĂ©e conjointement par la Dre Turkstra.

    La Dre Lyn Turkstra est vice-doyenne et professeure d’orthophonie Ă  l’École des sciences de la rĂ©adaptation de l’UniversitĂ© McMaster. Orthophoniste de formation, elle compte plus de 30 ans d’expĂ©rience de travail auprĂšs de personnes ayant subi un TCC.

  • Overcoming loneliness

    Overcoming loneliness

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    When imagining the experience of serving in the military, a sense of belonging often comes to mind. We may picture soldiers marching in unison, living in close quarters, watching each other's six. We hear terms like brotherhood and sisterhood, esprit de corps and camaraderie. So why it is that several recent studies show that many Veterans are experiencing loneliness at alarming rates?

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, Brian and Laryssa explore the unique experiences of loneliness that Veterans and Veteran Families can encounter. They share their own experiences with managing feelings of loneliness and isolation, and provide practical strategies for overcoming them.



    Lorsqu’on pense Ă  l’expĂ©rience que vivent les membres des forces armĂ©es, c’est souvent l’appartenance sociale qui vient Ă  l’esprit. On imagine des soldats qui marchent Ă  l’unisson, vivant Ă  proximitĂ© et couvrant les arriĂšres les uns des autres. La fraternitĂ©, l’esprit de corps et la camaraderie sont Ă©voquĂ©s. Alors, pourquoi plusieurs Ă©tudes rĂ©centes rĂ©vĂšlent-elles qu’une proportion alarmante de vĂ©tĂ©rans souffrent de solitude?

    Dans cet Ă©pisode de L’esprit au-delĂ  de la mission, Brian et Laryssa explorent la solitude du point de vue propre aux vĂ©tĂ©rans et Ă  leur famille. Ils parlent Ă©galement de la façon dont ils ont gĂ©rĂ© leurs propres sentiments de solitude et d’isolement et prĂ©sentent des stratĂ©gies pratiques pour les combattre.

  • Grieving the loss of someone who's alive

    Grieving the loss of someone who's alive

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    What does it mean to grieve the loss of someone who’s still alive?

    Can we mourn the life we thought we’d have while still appreciating the one we’ve got?

    Many Veteran Family members can relate to the experience of feeling grief, even when they haven’t actually lost a loved one. We can deeply grieve the person our loved one used to be, the people we used to be, or the lives we thought we would have. When we don’t acknowledge this grief and loss, it can make us feel isolated and lonely.

    Polly Maher, Lived Expertise Lead – Families at the Atlas Institute, joins Brian and Laryssa to share how she has reconciled her own feelings of grief and loss. She reflects on how her relationships have flourished and strengthened as she has processed these complex emotions.

  • Why Is communication so hard?

    Why Is communication so hard?

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    While communication is a critical skill for anyone serving in the military, it can often become a challenge for Veterans living with a traumatic stress injury. Veterans and their Family members can face unexpected barriers that impede the open, safe communication that every relationship thrives on.

    In this episode, Brian and Laryssa draw from their own experiences to share strategies and resources that have been helpful in cultivating healthy, effective communication in their relationships with their spouses, children, service providers, and others in their day-to-day lives.

    Resources

    Families and Friends | Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families

    Tip sheets on communication in healthy relationships | Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services

    Stories of military members and their families | Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services

    Can Praxis | Equine-assisted therapy for operational stress injuries

    Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday (COPE) | Wounded Warriors Canada

    Strongest Families Institute | Mental health services for youth and adults


    « Pourquoi la communication est-elle si difficile? »

    Bien que la communication soit une compĂ©tence essentielle pour quiconque sert dans l’armĂ©e, elle peut souvent devenir un dĂ©fi pour les vĂ©tĂ©rans qui vivent avec une blessure de stress traumatique. Les vĂ©tĂ©rans et les membres de leur famille peuvent ĂȘtre confrontĂ©s Ă  des obstacles inattendus qui nuisent Ă  la communication ouverte et sĂ©curitaire sur laquelle chaque relation repose.

    Dans cet Ă©pisode, nos animateurs, Brian et Laryssa, puisent dans leur vĂ©cu pour parler de stratĂ©gies et de ressources qui leur ont Ă©tĂ© utiles pour cultiver une communication saine et efficace dans leurs relations avec leur conjoint, leurs enfants, leurs fournisseurs de services et d’autres personnes dans leur vie quotidienne.

    Ressources

    Les familles et les amis | Institut Atlas pour les vétérans et leur famille

    Conseils pour exprimer sa colĂšre dans une relation | Services bien-ĂȘtre et moral des Forces canadiennes

    Histoires des militaires et de leur famille | Services bien-ĂȘtre et moral des Forces canadiennes

    L’équithĂ©rapie pour les blessures liĂ©es au stress opĂ©rationnel (en anglais seulement) | Can Praxis

    Couples qui surmontent le TSPT au quotidien (COPE) | Wounded Warriors Canada

    Services de santé mentale pour les jeunes et les adultes (en anglais seulement) | Strongest Families Institute

  • Moral injury with Fardous Hosseiny

    Moral injury with Fardous Hosseiny

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    "It often comes down to a decision that a person has to make in the moment and then they’re second guessing that decision for the rest of their life with the disadvantage of having hindsight."

    Moral injury is a relatively new term in the mental health research sphere, but one that countless Veterans can relate to from lived experience. Moral injury refers to the psychological, social, and spiritual impact of events or acts that a person performs, witnesses or fails to prevent, which conflict with one’s own deeply held moral beliefs and values.

    It is not uncommon for Veterans to experience events that cause moral injury during their service. Moral injuries can continue to impact Veterans in their lives post-service. In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, the Atlas Institute's President and CEO Fardous Hosseiny joins Brian and Laryssa for an in-depth conversation about moral injury, exploring:

    -What is moral injury? How does it differ from PTSD?

    -What kinds of events can result in moral injury?

    -What are the symptoms of moral injury? What can I do if I’m worried my loved one is experiencing a moral injury?

    -How moral injuries can impact Veteran Families

    - At what point after a potentially morally injurious event takes place should one consult with a family physician about symptoms?

    -Moral frustration vs. moral injury

    -The Moral Injury Outcome Scale

    -How to support peers experiencing symptoms of moral injury

    -What resources are available for Veterans and/or Veteran Family members who want to learn more about the subject?

  • "And their Families"

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    In this second episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, Brian and Laryssa are joined by Polly Maher, Lived Experience Lead – Families at the Atlas Institute, to discuss how Veteran Family members are impacted by mental health and operational stress injuries.

    The spouse of a Veteran living with PTSD, Polly shares personal experiences of balancing motherhood, work life, her own well-being, and her spouse’s diagnosis. Polly, Brian and Laryssa reflect on their experiences and struggles with compassion fatigue, communication self-care, living in “survival mode” and managing expectations. They’ll share resources and strategies that have helped them in their journeys.

    Content Warning: This podcast episode makes reference to an attempted suicide. We encourage you to care for your safety and well-being, and pause the episode at any time if you are experiencing distress. Resources are available if you need support: https://atlasveterans.ca/directory-of-services/. Please note the Atlas Institute is not a service provider.

    This podcast was recorded in English. French transcripts are available for each episode.

  • The expert in your own journey

    The expert in your own journey

    · Mind Beyond the Mission

    Meet our hosts, Brian McKenna, retired warrant officer with the Canadian Armed Forces and Laryssa Lamrock, military mother and daughter, and partner of a Veteran.

    Our first episode introduces Brian and Laryssa, and explores what it’s like to be a Veteran and a Veteran Family member living with PTSD. As experts of their own experiences, they are candid about what a PTSD diagnosis really meant for them and for those closest to them. They share their hopes for how the podcast will help others, no matter where one might find one’s self on the journey.

    Content Warning: This podcast may refer to difficult experiences and situations, and may bring up a range of emotions. We encourage you to care for your safety and well-being, and pause the episode at any time if you are experiencing distress, or access these resources if you need support: www.atlasveterans.ca/directory-of-services/. Please note the Atlas Institute is not a service provider.

    Mind Beyond the Mission episodes are recorded in English only. French transcripts are available for each episode: www.mindbeyondthemission.ca.