June 27 is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding PTSD. In Sudbury, there will be a walk involving first responders, veterans and all residents are welcome to take part. Sgt. Cameron Kidder is lead coordinator for the Greater Sudbury Police Service for the PTSD walk this year. Officials said the disorder affects first responders at twice the rate of any other profession. “The calls that you are dealing with, the reports that you are reviewing, the people that you are dealing with,” Kidder said, when asked why rates are higher among first responders. “Sometimes there are quite traumatic occurrences and there are very sad occurrences at times that are life-shattering for members of the community involved in those incidents directly. You don’t know the toll that it takes.” Veterans will take part in the walk, many of whom are members of the Veterans Peer Support Network. “It’s nice to know you can have comfort,” said Mike Jensen of the Veterans Peer Support Network. “You are in a non-judgmental atmosphere, where you can open up and talk to people (who) are not going to judge you. They are going to be supportive.” Organizers said there is no official theme for the walk, but said it’s about togetherness and opening dialogue about PTSD because issues related to it can feel isolating. “When you are in isolation, bad things generally happen,” Kidder said. “I think the important thing is breaking down the stigma, breaking down those barriers. You know, taking the time to let people know how you are feeling and what you are dealing with.” “There is a trigger or something causing a bad memory, just to come forward,” Jensen added. “We are seeing a lot of people, you know, they close the blinds, lock the doors and live in the dark.” Members of the public can take part in the walk for a registration fee of $10, money that supports Wounded Warriors Canada and their mental health programs for trauma-exposed professionals and families. Information can be found on the Sudbury police website.
