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.
Originally posted: August 8, 2023 Seriously, everyone is affected by occupational stress to some degree. Plus, life gets complex. Chip away at your stuff — you’ll be a happier, healthier parent, partner, friend, colleague, or … boss. Research a therapist that is a good fit for you! Google them, go to their website, etc., look […]
Originally posted: August 3, 2023 Wednesday’s Zen’s Day seems to be a popular blog post day. Who doesn’t like photos of animals doing cute things? Photo: Zen and puppy-in-training, Boo Way back in October 2020, I wrote short post “Why cute animals are good for your brain,” and I referenced an article written by Dana […]
Originally posted: August 1, 2023 The Horton Plan is a death benefit paid to a chosen beneficiary of sworn members at the time of your death. It is only available to police members who are currently serving or members who are superannuated (retired). The VPD / PMBA / VPU benefit is paid within two weeks […]
Originally posted: July 17, 2023 Its science. Ions are everywhere. And they might be influencing your mental and physical health. Positive ions are small molecules that have gained a positive charge. Positive ions, in general, are toxic: mold, toxic chemicals, pet dander, including: electronic devices like televisions, phones, and computers fluorescent lighting toxic carpeting, upholstery, […]
Originally posted: July 12, 2023 In 2020, scientists published a study about Trauma, Treatment, and Tetris: video gaming increases hippocampal volume in male patients with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Cool. “Tetris may be useful as an adjunct therapeutic intervention for PTSD.”