Behind every strong police officer, there is an even stronger family.
The PSPNET Families Wellbeing Hub team is developing mental health promotion resources and supports to complement PSPNET, a federally-funded online platform that offers internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) for Public Safety Personnel (PSP).
One of these resources is now available, The Spouse or Significant Others Wellbeing Course is an 8-week, internet-delivered, self-directed, cognitive behavioural therapy course, aimed at supporting the spouse of a PSP or first responder navigate their own wellbeing. Topics include: Identifying the cycle of symptoms, managing unhelpful thoughts, managing physical symptoms, managing avoidance and safety behaviours, and relapse prevention. In addition, SSOs can review additional resources on diverse mental health topics (e.g., alcohol misuse, sleep, anger, assertiveness, grief) and participate in a therapist-guided discussion forum.
Find out more about PSPNET Families here: PSPNET Families Wellbeing Hub – PSP NET
Keeping Good People Good by Dr. Kevin Gilmartin https://pansw.org.au/downloads/CARE/Keeping_Good_People_Good_Dr._KevinM.Gilmartin.pdf
The Ottawa First Responders Foundation hosts Spouse/Partner Peer Support Meetings every 2 months. For further information, please see https://ottawafrf.ca/event/spouse-partner-meeting/ or watch the OPS Wellness Facebook page for meeting information.
IACP Law Enforcement Family Resources – The job of a law enforcement officer is often stressful, demanding, and dangerous. The lifestyle and culture of law enforcement affects more than just the officers. Spouses, partners, parents, children, and companions of law enforcement officers play an integral role in an officer’s health and wellness. (May need an account to see content)
IACP – Helping your Child Understand your Job https://www.theiacp.org/resources/document/supporting-officer-safety-through-family-wellness-helping-your-child-understand
IACP – Discussing Your Job With Your Teen https://www.theiacp.org/resources/supporting-officer-safety-through-family-wellness-discussing-your-job-with-your-teen
IACP – How Law Enforcement Parents Can Talk to Their Children About Current Events https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/243807_IACP_OSW_CPE_Talk_to_Children_3%20(1).pdf
IACP – Supporting Officer Safety Through Family Wellness: Communication in Officer Families https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/247338_IACP_20_Wellness_508%20(2).pdf