Messages of hope for veterans

Cyril Richards joined the navy in 2005 because of his fascination with submarines.

In late 2017, the Eastern Passage resident left the navy after his posttraumatic stress disorder got in the way of him carrying out his duties as a naval combat information operator.

Richards said the PTSD still gets in the way of his daily life now, fogging his memory, surfacing flashbacks of his time in the military and triggering him at times when he’s outside and there are loud noises. It’s also brought on anxiety and depression for him.

“It’s not easy, but it’s become easier,” he said. “I’ve basically learned to live with it.”

The holidays can be particularly challenging for Richards because no matter how hard he tries, sometimes minutes into celebrating a holiday with loved ones, his mood can go downhill, he said.

To cope, Richards said he does “a lot of deep breathing and meditation.”

MAKING VETERANS FEEL ‘SEEN AND VALID’

The Centre of Excellence on PTSD and Related Mental Health Conditions recently released a video message aimed at making veterans feel “seen and valid” during the often challenging holiday season, while showing them help is available and that there is hope for the future.

“We know the holidays are a very emotionally complex time for veterans and tend to bring out feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness for people,” said Fardous Hosseiny, vice-president of research, policy and knowledge mobilization at The Centre of Excellence on PTSD.

Hosseiny said this is “especially true” this year, as people are asked to refrain from gathering and seeing their loved ones due to COVID-19, and that veterans with symptoms of PTSD and related conditions may see their symptoms “exacerbated.”

He added that the holiday season can be a hard reminder of celebrations missed and of the deep suffering seen in war zones for many veterans.

“We want to put a spotlight on these issues and let them know … that this is a difficult time and they’re not alone,” said Hosseiny.

VETS CANADA GIVES GIFTS, GROCERIES TO VETERANS

Debbie Lowther is the CEO of VETS Canada, an organization that seeks out and helps homeless and at-risk veterans to reintegrate them into civilian life. She founded the organization in Halifax with her husband who is a veteran with PTSD.

Lowther said 2020 has been a difficult year for Canadians in general, but it’s been “particularly difficult all around” for veterans in Nova Scotia because of the loss of Capt. Jenn Casey of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and six members at sea in the spring, among other tragedies.

She also pointed to COVID-19 selfisolation measures as obstacles for veterans with PTSD and related mental health conditions who tend to selfisolate on their own.

“When it’s forced isolation, it’s a completely different thing. A lot of people are struggling not being able to go out, even with things like not being able to go to their therapy appointments faceto-face; that’s done virtually,” she said.

“For a lot of veterans, the only time they go out is to go to appointments, so not being able to do that is difficult.”

To support veterans over the holidays, Lowther said VETS Canada has identified veterans across Canada “who are kind of struggling more” and will be supporting them with Christmas gifts as well as groceries this holiday season.

In the Halifax Regional Municipality, Lowther said eight veterans will get gifts and groceries.

WHERE VETERANS CAN GO FOR HELP

For veterans or their family members who may be struggling over the holiday season, Hosseiny said “this is the time to not be battling it on your own,” as there is lots of “help and support available.”

People who are in crisis and need immediate assistance can call 911, go to the nearest hospital or call the national suicide prevention line at 1-833-456-4566.

Veterans can also talk to their doctor, health-care provider or contact a veteran mental health specialist at 1-800-268-7708 to speak to someone who can walk them through their healing journey.

For any additional resources, Hosseiny suggests people visit The Centre of Excellence on PTSD’S website, veteransmentalhealth.ca.

The website includes information about PTSD treatment, how to talk to children about PTSD, how to protect your mental health during the COVID19 pandemic and other ways to get help, he said.

Lowther noted veterans can also reach out to VETS Canada for support by emailing vetscanada@gmail.com or phoning 1-888-228-3871. For more information, they can visit vetscanada.org.

“Veterans definitely need to be aware that there is support out there,” she said.