CISM News

October 20, 2022

As we recognize Mental Health Month, we see the impact all across the globe.  So many are facing war-either fighting or fleeing, natural disasters and  ongoing ramifications from the pandemic. Let’s focus on strengthening our own mental health, and support those around us.

 

Mental Health Crisis Among Azerbaijani Veterans

David McKay: Mental health care in a crazy world

Mental Health: Get Support. Take Control. Feel Better

First Responders and Mental Health: When Heroes Need Rescuing

Providing suicide prevention services to first responders

As suicides rise, US military seeks to address mental health

COVID-19 presents an opportunity to strengthen mental health in the Americas

 

 

September 14, 2022

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and it is vital that we create a dialogue in our communities to support each other.  When we truly care, and acknowledge that it is okay not to be okay, then we create an environment of empathy and open the lines of communication.

Practicing self-care is a strategy we can all employ to reduce suicidal thoughts and actions. Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, and improve energy.  Regular self-care in which we do the things that make us feel taken care of mentally, physically, and emotionally doesn’t always happen, and we may need to stop and take the time to remind ourselves we are important, too.

August 11, 2022

As the lazy days of summer come to a close, we look forward to a time of new beginnings as the schools reopen.   This year we are hoping that the days of mask wearing in schools are over, and the children can once again play together freely.  College campuses are opening with mandatory vaccinations but optional mask wearing. Children from Ukraine are finding new places and ways to learn.  It is a new normal. Here is how the children, young adults, faculties and staffs are gearing up to support the mental health of all involved in education.

July 18, 2022

There are new efforts to transform the mental health care system and make care easily accessible everywhere in the United States.  This is an opportunity for us all to remember how important mental health is, and with renewed focus, countless lives will be improved and saved.  Here are some ways we can support each other’s mental health.

Military program helps with mental health issues

Canadian soldier to bike 1,000 km from Edmonton to raise PTSD awareness

Sheriff’s Association launches peer-based program to address mental health needs

Surfing to save: Nonprofit uses surf therapy to reach veterans, first responders

Retired S.C. officer bikes for first responder mental health awareness

100 Club of Arizona unveils apps to help first responders with mental health issues

Improving wellness at work: the new front line of mental health care

June 27, 2022
This Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day, we’ve included some words about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Posttraumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) from one of ICISF’s Co-Founders, Dr. George Everly, along with a variety of resources to help you and your peers.
Postttaumatic stress (PTS) is an intense stress reaction that many people experience after being exposed to a traumatic event.  PTS is perhaps best thought of as a form of psychological survival mechanism akin to the fight or flight response.
 
Postttaumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) however is a more severe version of that same stress reaction. PTSD arises when that stress reaction interferes with one’s personal and or professional life. In my opinion, PTSD is best thought of as a stress injury, not a disorder. As such it should be renamed Postttaumatic Stress Injury or PTSI. 
 
Because PTSD/PTSI is a stress reaction, the use of an integrated continuum of services such as CISM with its peer support focus is indicated and should be employed in any organization that puts its personnel in harms way for psychological stress related injury.
George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, CCISM (ICISF Co-Founder)

10% Discount on Psychological Body Armor™

Your Bookstore for CISM Resources, offers a 10% discount on Dr. Everly’s Field Guide “Psychological Body Armor™“! The goal of this book is to reduce the risk of psychological injury, much the same as physical body armor reduces the risk of physical injury.

Additional Resources

PTSD911 Documentary Film: Shining a Light on PTSD & First Responders (Conrad Weaver)

Listen as we speak with guest speaker Conrad Weaver on “PTSD911 Documentary Film: Shining a Light on PTSD & First Responders”.

May 12, 2022

In May we recognize Mental Health Awareness nationwide. After two years of dealing with Covid, multiple national disasters and now the Russia-Ukraine war, we look for ways to support each other’s mental health journey. In the USA we also acknowledge May as Military Appreciation month and we celebrate our nurses, our firefighters, our EMS personnel and our police who sacrifice so much for their communities.

 

May 2, 2022

National Teacher Appreciation Week

This week, May 2-6, 2022, we acknowledge and honor teachers, educators and school administrators.  The ICISF offers several courses and resources for these professions to assist with maintaining resiliency and managing school crises.

ICISF Courses

Videos

Articles