Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Impacts First Nations

THUNDER BAY – Gerald Kiesman is working to solve the root causes of many of the issues that impact people on Canada’s First Nations. The issue Kinsman says is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This week, Kiesman, who is from British Columbia, and has led over two hundred workshops in dealing with PTSD, was at Lake Helen First Nation.

Following his workshop, Kiesman sat down with Denise Bouchard-Wood and Naomi Esquega to talk about the work that is being done, and the work that is needed to be done.

It is a difficult issue to deal with. First dealing with trauma needs to happen quickly, within thirty days. If that trauma is not dealt with quickly, it can become long-term. For survivors of Canada’s Residential School system, there are many people who are dealing with the long-term effects and have PTSD.

Restoring Balance Consulting provides community based training workshop(s), available to assist Aboriginal communities to develop the necessary skills to work with clients who have experienced trauma.

Community workers often support those dealing with the impacts of trauma, which can be challenging and stressful. However, having an understanding of Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as knowledge of basic communication skills can help make the difference when supporting those who have been impacted by trauma.