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PTSI Awareness in
the Workplace

#HeretoHelp

#PTSIAwarenessDay

What is PTSI?

Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a distressing event. Unlike physical injuries, PTSI affects the mind and emotions, potentially leading to long-term consequences.

The term “injury”—rather than “disorder”—emphasizes that PTSI is a treatable condition stemming from trauma exposure, not a permanent mental illness.

Although often linked to military personnel and first responders, any worker in any sector can be affected. High-pressure environments, exposure to accidents, injuries, or other traumas can all lead to PTSI.

PTSI is sometimes referred to as an Operational Stress Injury (OSI), or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSI can arise from a wide range of workplace experiences, including:
  • Witnessing accidents or fatalities on the job
  • Exposure to violence, abuse, or bullying
  • Repeated contact with distressing or life-threatening situations
Important: Symptoms may not appear immediately—they can emerge weeks, months, or even years after the incident.

PTSI alters brain regions responsible for emotional regulation and stress response, often resulting in:
  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
  • Heightened stress sensitivity
  • Emotional instability
  • Difficulty coping with everyday challenges

PTSI doesn’t only impact the individual—it affects the entire organization:
  • Safety risks due to impaired concentration
  • Reduced productivity and job satisfaction
  • Increased turnover, burnout, or long-term disability
  • Ignoring PTSI means risking the well-being of your people—and your workplace culture.

 

Recognize the Symptoms

PTSI symptoms vary, but may include:

PTSI can arise from a wide range of workplace experiences, including:
  • Anxiety, depression
  • Mood swings, irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Sleep disturbances

  • Social withdrawal
  • Substance misuse
  • Avoidance of certain places or tasks

 

What can you do?

If you or someone you know may be experiencing PTSI, consider these steps:

Recognize PTSI as a valid and serious condition.

Mental health professionals, counsellors, and therapists can provide guidance and effective treatment strategies.

Share with trusted colleagues, friends, or family. Peer support groups can also be extremely beneficial.

Prioritize activities like exercise, mindfulness, sleep, and hobbies that promote well-being.

 

Break the Stigma

Despite growing awareness, stigma remains a major barrier to care. Many workers avoid discussing their struggles for fear of judgment or repercussions.

Let’s change that narrative by:

  • Treating PTSI as an injury, not a weakness
  • Creating a safe space for open conversations
  • Promoting mental wellness as part of workplace culture
  • Support your coworkers by taking Mental Health First Aid training

Moving Forward

PTSI is serious—but recovery is possible.

By educating ourselves, supporting one another, and fostering a work environment that values mental health, we can ensure that no worker faces trauma alone.

Need Help?

CLAC is here to support you:

Read More

Discover personal stories from CLAC members about PTSI and learn how CLAC established PTSI Day, recognized annually on June 27.

 

  • New PTSI Centre for First Responders and Front-Line Healthcare Workers
    • The Ontario government announced in March 2021 that it will provide $1 million toward a new centre to treat first responders and front-line healthcare workers suffering from posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI).
  • A Second Chance
    • With every call, volunteer firefighters face inner obstacles more challenging than the flames they battle. A local 920 member shares his story.
  • Presumption of PTSI Extended to More Occupations in BC
  • Face It Together
    • In 2018, CLAC held our first Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, and in 2019, we changed the name to PTSI to align with the term used by the federal department of public safety.
  • Invisible Injuries
    • There’s a growing understanding within the medical community that PTSD is not a disorder. It’s an injury, as real as any physical injury, and it’s time to treat it like one. Members from Locals 920 and 66 share their stories.
  • PTSD: “No One Fights Alone”
    • A CLAC member shares his story and urges others to get help.

If you or someone you know is struggling—reach out. You are not alone, and healing is possible.