PSP Families’ Experiences with Trauma

Trauma can mean different things to different people, but it generally refers to experiences that are physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening and continue to affect a person's wellbeing long after the event has ended. For PSP and their families, trauma can happen in different ways. PSP often experience direct trauma through critical incidents, such as responding to serious injuries, witnessing death, or facing life-threatening situations. Unlike everyday stress, traumatic events involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or violence and can have lasting effects on mental and physical health. Over time, repeated exposure to traumatic events can increase the risk of developing an operational stress injury (OSI), including a posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI), as well as other mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, or substance use problems.

The Garnet Families Network connects military, veteran, first responder, and public safety families and those who study, serve, and support them with research, resources, and a community that understands their experiences. Why? Because these families face demands that can leave them feeling worried, drained, isolated, and misunderstood while their loved ones provide vital and critical services to Canadian communities.

This site offers immediate, stigma-free mental health resources for trauma-exposed public safety personnel (both uniform and civilian) in Ontario. Access confidential support 24/7 through free online resources or if in immediate crisis, call 911, Homewood Health’s 24/7 crisis line at 1-833-866-9929, or for 24/7 peer support call Boots on the Ground at 1-833-677-2668.

Family members can also experience trauma related to PSP work. Sometimes this is direct trauma, such as witnessing a loved one being injured, facing threats because of the PSP's work, or experiencing violence themselves.

More commonly, family members experience indirect trauma (also called secondary trauma or vicarious trauma). This can happen when someone repeatedly hears about traumatic events, supports a loved one living with a posttraumatic stress injury, or experiences the ongoing emotional impact of trauma within the family.

The effects of trauma often extend beyond the person who experienced the original event. Families may notice changes in communication, relationships, emotions, or daily life, and some family members may develop symptoms of their own. While these ripple effects can be difficult to understand and manage, recognizing them is an important first step toward finding support and recovery.

Explore the resources below to learn more about trauma and its impact on PSP and their families.

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