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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.