PROTECTIVE FACTORS AGAINST PTSD
Support at home or through work has been found to be one of the most important factors in helping one get through mental health struggles .
This is not surprising in that , among people in general , the availability of social support and effective coping strategies have consistently been found to reduce the risk of developing PTSD following a traumatic event .
GETTING HELP FOR PTSD
Seeking help is an important way of reducing the risk of developing PTSD from experiencing multiple traumatic events . The good news is many effective treatments are available , ranging from psychological assistance to medication , to help you overcome the impact of a traumatic event .
FUNDRAISERS WHO CARE
Two caring local individuals have recently created charities to raise funds and awareness about the dangers of mental illnesses like PTSD .
RIDE 4 SUICIDE AWARENESS
Maria Pozsgai , a purchaser with Metalfab , started Ride 4 Suicide Awareness in 2021 in honour of her beloved nephew , Jon , who passed away following a long battle with mental illness . Each year since , Pozsgai organizes Ride 4 Suicide Awareness , a motorcycle rally for mental health , to raise much-needed funds for a variety of mental health organizations . The first year , it was the Dr . Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital ( Fredericton ), where she took Jon for treatment . The second year was for the New Brunswick Military Hospital Family Resource Center , as Jon had spent time in the military . This year , it was the K-9 Therapy for
First Responders , because Jon often worked with dogs . “ I base my choices of charities on what I believe Jon would want to help ,” Pozsgai says . " We ended up raising $ 5,220.00 with approximately 80 to 90 bikes involved in the event ."
Always looking for volunteers , Pozsgai says you can get more information by going to her Facebook page or by writing to ride4suicideawareness @ gmail . com .
OPERATION WHITE HEART
Mental health awareness is also the reason Gary Brown started Operation White Heart . In 2021 , he built a park within the Giant Steps Wellness Park in New Brunswick as a reminder to promote wellness and fight the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide . At its centre , Brown created a 16-foot white heart . “ This heart will become a symbol of unity in our fight ,” Brown writes on his Facebook page .
To continue his efforts , Brown offers the installation of smaller , 3-foot white hearts to add to home landscaping . “ By displaying a white heart on your lawn , you are letting people know that you understand that everyone has a story ,” Brown says . “ When someone walks by or drives by , they will notice these hearts and be reminded that they are not alone and that it ’ s ok not to be ok . The hearts will keep the conversation going . It ’ s all about kindness and hope .”
More information can be found on the Operation White Heart Facebook page . Brown also welcomes people to contact him at operationwhiteheart @ gmail . com .
To learn more about Metalfab , contact Business Development Manager Ryan Stacey , at rastacey @ MetalfabFireTrucks . com or by phone at 1-800-561-0012 , extension 24 .
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