Weather moves PTSD awareness walk in Sudbury indoors
Inclement weather forced a last-minute change for the third annual Blue Balance Wellness PTSD Awareness Walk in Greater Sudbury.
It was switched to an indoor ceremony at the Sudbury Arena.
First responders and other uniformed service personnel sat shoulder-to-shoulder in support of PTSD awareness and mental health.
PTSD walk Sudbury
First responders and other uniformed service personnel sat shoulder-to-shoulder Friday in Sudbury in support of PTSD awareness and mental health.
(Angela Gemmill/CTV News)
The event is meant to reduce the stigma around mental health, particularly for those who work in emergency services.
'First responders are more susceptible to post-traumatic stress, but this is a human problem and a human challenge,' said James Jefferson, the wellness officer at Greater Sudbury Police Service.
The event also raises funds for the national mental health service provider, Wounded Warriors Canada, which serves professionals and organizations exposed to trauma.
'First responders are more susceptible to post-traumatic stress, but this is a human problem and a human challenge.'
— James Jefferson, wellness officer at Greater Sudbury Police Service
'Especially within the first responder community, we want them to recognize that it is an honourable injury, something that is earned in honourable service of the community,' said Steven Topham, director of fundraising.
'We would like them to be able to have those conversations and reach out and speak to individuals when they feel that they need assistance.'
Guest speakers told the crowd that hearing others speak openly about their PTSD stories and experiences helps to normalize asking for help.
'We have members off with PTSD or on journeys with PTSD,' said Matt Hall, president of the Greater Sudbury Police Association.
Need a lot of support
'We're no different than any other first responders in the province or in the country. There's a lot of support going into helping those members out. I'm very proud of all those members that have actually put up their hand and asked for help.'
Jefferson was diagnosed with PTSD in 2011 and said it was a journey to understand it and heal from it.
'I understand it very intimately, and I really want to continue spreading the word that we can heal from this, and we can create a life,' he said.
'It just takes doing the right things, prioritizing your self-care and formulating a tribe around you to support you.'
For those who are experiencing PTSD, Jefferson suggested finding a support service or program that works for you and building a community of support – because too many are suffering in silence.
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