Originally posted: October 30, 2023 “Operating independently of WorkSafeBC, the Workers’ Advisers Office is a branch of the Ministry of Labour providing workers, their dependents, and other stakeholders with free advice, assistance, representation, training, and mentoring with respect to workers’ compensation [WSBC] issues.” If you, or someone you know, is having difficulty navigating a WSBC […]
Employee Wellness Blog
Welcome to the VPD Members Wellness Blog: a place to read about and find resources for first responders. This blog has been published internally for the last four years and we are now sharing it with our retired members, as much of the information is also relevant to you.
There is no doubt your life of service and the stress from some of the traumatic events you were involved in have impacted your mental health and wellness. Some of it may have impacted your family, as well.
We hope this bog will help you gain personal insight into your own mental and physical wellness and access resources to help you navigate the ups and downs of life.
Help eliminate the stigma around mental health by talking about the impact of first responder stress with someone you trust.
If you have any questions or suggested topics, please email Constable Michele McKnight at michele.mcknight@vpd.ca.
Our Stress Bucket
Originally posted: October 26, 2023 During CISM defusings, we often talk about how full or empty our “stress buckets” are. Occupational, operational, and personal stressors fill up our lives, and when there is too much stress, things start to overflow. (I know that feeling – I still can’t see it when I’m in it). This two-and-a-half-minute […]
I Still Can’t See It When I’m in It
Originally posted: October 23, 2023 I had a psychologist appointment last week. I’ve been seeing her (virtually) every three months or so. Last week we talked about interrupting stress. Like others at work, I tend to try to fill gaps and get things done. I often push through, thinking it won’t take long, and I […]
Sick and Tired – Stress, Fatigue, and First Responders
Originally posted: October 19, 2023 Mike Harnett is a Canadian industry expert in fatigue management. She presented at the 2023 BC First Responder Mental Health Conference “Sick and Tired: A Conversation About Stress, Fatigue and First Responders.”
The G.L.A.D. Method After a Heavy Week
Originally posted October 5, 2023 This was a heavy week for many VPD employees. For some more than others: you know who you are. Too much death. Look after yourself on your days off, do something just for you. Say it out loud and make it intentional. And try the G.L.A.D. technique at the end […]