We all experience stress, but some moments stay with people.
Lots and lots of rumination where you know you just
can't shut the brain off.
You're thinking about something over and over and over.
A new Stats Canada survey found nearly 2/3 of adults
say they've directly or indirectly been exposed to a traumatic
event,
mainly unwanted sexual experiences and natural disasters,
a life threatening illness. Physical assaults rank high,
but vehicle crashes topped the list.
The thing that really, really stuck with me with that
one was her eyes.
Her eyes were open, and I'm looking into her eyes
as I'm trying to ventilate her.
Rob Lethon was a firefighter for 30 years.
He says the accumulation of multiple traumatic events eventually led
him to get help,
but not before he tried to take his own life.
We now know that emotional trauma,
psychological trauma is actually toxic to the hard work,
to the brain. Doctors say like lethal About 6 to
10%
of adults experience symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or
PTSD.
Which leads to higher rates of unemployment,
heavy drinking and cannabis use.
This psychiatrist says the earlier someone recognizes trauma,
the better. Get help, talk to somebody,
get documented, find out what the resources are.
Sometimes I can't even close the door because they are
feeling so panicked.
This occupational therapist works with people traumatized after car crashes.
We have to identify the negative thoughts,
we have to challenge those thoughts with proof and evidence,
and then we have to replace those thoughts with more
objective and realistic ways of thinking.
For lethal, mental health supports made the difference between life
and death.
Yeah, I still do get triggered from things,
but I've got the toolbox,
the mental toolbox out of able to deal with it.
So, Christine, we heard the psychiatrist,
they're talking about how important it is for people to
get help,
but that's not always straightforward.
No, it isn't. Counseling isn't covered.
Therapy can be expensive and weightless for a psychiatrist or
psychologist are incredibly long.
Doctor Steiderman said governments need to take mental health more
seriously.
Dealing with the trauma quickly can prevent a cascade of
other health issues.
There are some resources online,
but at the very least,
everyone we spoke with said if you've been through something
that you have found truly unsettling,
tell someone you trust. Don't just bury it.
Christine Birak in our Toronto newsroom.