Emergency: 9-1-1

National Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8

Call BC Crisis Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed)

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

KUU-US Crisis Support Line (BC Wide Indigenous Toll Free Crisis and Support Line): 1-800-588-8717

For Families

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When someone has an operational stress injury (OSI), it can change family life and impact loved ones. An OSI can make it hard to do everyday things and this may lead to unmet family needs. Partners and children may feel more stress and talking to one another may be tough. You also may feel angry about what’s happening to your family, or wonder if things will ever go back to the way they were. These feelings and worries are common in people who have a family member with an OSI.

It is important to learn about OSIs so you can understand why it happened, how it is treated, and what you can do to help. However, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Changes in family life are stressful, and taking care of yourself will make it easier to cope. This section provides information on resources to help support families impacted by an OSI.This section provides information on resources to help support families impacted by an OSI.

  • Nobody expects you to have all the answers. Here are some ways you can help:
  • Learn about OSIs. Knowing how these affect people may help you understand what your family member is going through. The more you know, the better you and your family can handle it.
  • Offer to go to doctor visits with your family member. You can help keep track of medicine and therapy, and you can be there for support.
  • Tell your loved one you want to listen and that you also understand if he or she doesn’t feel like talking.
  • Plan family activities together, like having dinner or going to a movie.
  • Take a walk, go for a bike ride, or do some other physical activity together. Exercise is important for health and helps clear your mind.

Your family member may not want your help. If this happens, keep in mind that withdrawal can be a symptom of PTSD or other OSIs. A person who withdraws may not feel like talking, taking part in group activities, or being around other people. Give your loved one space, but tell him or her that you will always be ready to help.

Helping a person with an OSI can be hard on you. You may have your own feelings of fear and anger about the trauma. You may feel guilty because you wish your family member would just forget his or her problems and get on with life. You may feel confused or frustrated because your loved one has changed, and you may worry that your family life will never get back to normal.

To help yourself, you need to take care of yourself and have other people help you.
Care for yourself

  • Don’t feel guilty or feel that you have to know it all. Remind yourself that nobody has all the answers. It’s normal to feel helpless at times.
  • Don’t feel bad if things change slowly. You cannot change anyone. People have to change themselves.
  • Take care of your physical and mental health. If you feel yourself getting sick or often feel sad and hopeless, see your doctor.
  • Don’t give up your outside life. Make time for activities and hobbies you enjoy. Continue to see your friends.
  • Take time to be by yourself. Find a quiet place to gather your thoughts and “recharge.”
  • Get regular exercise, even just a few minutes a day. Exercise is a healthy way to deal with stress.
  • Eat healthy foods. When you are busy, it may seem easier to eat fast food than to prepare healthy meals. But healthy foods will give you more energy to carry you through the day.
  • Remember the good things. It’s easy to get weighed down by worry and stress. But don’t forget to see and celebrate the good things that happen to you and your family.

Below are links to articles with information on the impact of trauma on families and partners:

General information for Families:

For Partners:

For Children:

Talking with your children about trauma:

Additional information for parents/caregivers:

This website is meant to provide general information and strategies. They are therefore not meant to be a substitute for individual treatment or therapy. Please consult with your healthcare provider or a member of our team for help specific to your needs.

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