Letter from the Editor…
Lynn Sciberras
I
don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I try to provide the answers I do have and get back to the person one way or another. Sometimes, this means some research is required, which requires going through reference and resource material, or it might require contacting another member of the Peer Support Team. At the end of it all, there is always a solution, and however it happens, members can rest assured that their Peer Support Team is well prepared, professional and will act confidentially and in the best interest of the member. “Do you have the name of someone I can speak with, I am having an issue with…,” is one of, if not, the most received question. I know that I can definitely make a referral to a professional. Often members prefer to have an appointment with someone close to where they live, so the Peer Support Team is well prepared with a plethora of vetted professional referrals who have experience with members of the fire service. Not only is it important for the Peer Support Team to be professional, it’s also important for a Mental Health Professional (MHP) to behave in this manner. There’s added value when a MHP has some familiarity with fire culture or with a diverse population and the diversity of issues that can surface for firefighters during a 24-hour shift, including sleep disturbance. Issues surrounding COVID are also very prevalent today, either for the member themselves, or for a family member. Always remember that those family members you designate as dependents through Green Shield
TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER
also have the same mental health benefits. This leads to another common question received, “Do my benefits cover these referrals and how much do I have?” This answer, and the answers to some other common and relevant questions, are outlined in Adina Kaufman’s article on the page following, so I will not detail them here. You might also be wondering, “Who’s good that you can recommend?” or “How do I select a mental health professional?” Some are new to the search for a mental health professional, others are known to have a regular check up from the neck up with someone they trust and can speak with openly and confidentially. No matter your question(s), your situation, it’s never too late to seek out help, and help is just a phone call away. So, when you decide the time is right for you, and you want to make that move for mental health assistance, give a call. We’ll be sure to get you started in the right direction so you can be on the road to better mental health for always.
VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 2 | FIRE WATCH
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