Text service launched to support Alberta first responders with trauma
Two new text services have been developed in an effort to better support the mental health of Alberta’s first responders.
According to Vincent Agyapong, a clinical professor of psychiatry and mental health at the University of Alberta, Text4PTSI and Text4Well-being are specifically designed to help emergency personnel cope with stress, anxiety, depression, disturbed sleep and suicidal thoughts.
“During the pandemic and beyond, they deal with many traumatic situations,” Agyapong explained. “And a lot of them end up experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress injury.”
The free services are said to offer a private and immediate way of accessing help if a first responder is on a waitlist or if they feel uncomfortable using in-person supports.
The daily inspirational messages are meant to benefit users in a similar way to cognitive behavioural therapy.
“Sometimes there’s stigma preventing them from reaching out for the help and support they need in a face-to-face way,” Agyapong added.
In a release, Agyapong said the TEXT4Well-being was created to help build resilience to ensure first responders don’t develop PTSI, while TEXT4PTSI is supposed to help reduce the symptoms for individuals who have already developed the condition.
“There are natural emotions people feel after experiencing a traumatic event, so the messages validate and normalize those feelings,” Agyapong said.
According to the U of A, about a third of the texts include online links to mental health information and support services.
“The lack of requirement for people to do anything other than subscribe makes it successful,” Agyapong said.
“It’s just a click to subscribe, and you can be anywhere and get the support.”
The new services coincide with the program that launched Text4Hope in March of 2020 to help boost mental health during the pandemic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.