Mental health, wellbeing and support

Need help now?

If you are in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, take action:

• call 9-1-1
• call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8
• visit the nearest hospital emergency department
• contact the Health Canada Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-268-7708 (or 1-800-567-5803 for those with hearing impairments), available 24/7

Hope for Wellness Help Line

The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Experienced and culturally aware counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer support.

Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.

Peer to Peer Program

Whether it's a work-related or personal issue, all RCMP employees, veterans and families can access Peer to Peer (P2P). P2P coordinators have been trained to listen to your concerns and provide you with guidance about using:

• Health Canada's Employee Assistance Services (EAS)
• internal RCMP resources
• community-based resources

To be put in touch with your peer to peer coordinator in your division, please contact p2p-spp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca with your: name, phone number and division. Please do not include any detailed information.

Officer and Executive Peer to Peer (P2P) Program

The officer and executive peer-to-peer (P2P) program supports senior leadership wellness and morale. Volunteers at the officer rank and executive level (inspector/director and above) provide well-being support to their peers, who face unique challenges in managing critical incidents and sensitive topics. P2P have been trained to listen to your concerns and provide you with guidance about using: internal and external RCMP resources, community-based resources, and Health Canada's Employee Assistance Services.

Interactions between P2P and employees will be respectful, confidential and discreet. However, there may be a need to disclose some information. These exceptions are: real or perceived threats to human life or safety; alleged violations of the RCMP Regulations – Code of Conduct by a member; alleged violations of the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and the RCMP Public Service Employee Code of Conduct, regardless of the employee's category; and information that must be disclosed as a result of a subpoena or direction of a judicial authority.

Support for Operational Stress Injuries (SOSI) Program

SOSI provides confidential peer and social support for all categories of employees within the RCMP, and Veterans who are impacted by an operational stress injury (OSI).

SOSI Coordinators and Peer Supporters (volunteers) are people with lived experience and are knowledgeable about the effects of an operational stress injury. SOSI works because it provides a safe, healthy and confidential environment that focuses on re-establishing social networks. How SOSI works

• Peers are met on their terms in a safe and confidential environment.
• Coordinators are trained in a trauma informed approach to support and provide specific resources that peers can discuss with their medical professional.
• Connecting peers to one another, allowing them to establish their own healthy social network of support.

SOSI coordinators and volunteers are exempt from reporting under the Code of Conduct except when there is:

• a real or perceived threat to harm oneself or others
• a suspicion or knowledge of abuse or neglect of a child and/or vulnerable adult, as a result of speaking with a peer
• a requirement to disclose information by way of a subpoena or via an order of a judicial authority

SOSI coordinators facilitate relationship building. They coordinate one-on-one conversations and group support meetings for peers with the assistance of trained peer supporters. Peer supporters are there to listen, be non-judgmental, validate and empathize with what the peer is sharing.

SOSI coordinators and volunteers are not counsellors or trained therapists, nor are they responsible for compiling and completing Veterans Affairs Canada forms. However, they may provide advice based on experience.

To connect with a SOSI Peer Supporter or for general inquiries about the SOSI program, please contact rcmp.sosi-sbso.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

National Reintegration Program

The National Reintegration Program has emerged as a standard of peer support in the RCMP. This unique service empowers members to direct the scope and pace of their return to work following an extended absence (parental leave, physical/psychological injury) or critical event. Reintegration is also available to members who may be struggling with their confidence and operational skills sets.

Trained peers with similar lived experiences tailor each individual reintegration visit to what the participating member needs with a focus on building confidence. No testing, No evaluation, No notes and No judgment are the foundational pieces to this cutting edge program.

Sessions may include reacquainting a member with their intervention options, exposure support, or recreating scenarios they experienced to identify potential stressors and help normalize those reactions.

"This program not only brings you back to work, more importantly it brings you back to life...this program saves lives."

To learn more about the Program - for yourself or an eligible member - please email reintegrationprogram-programmedereintegration@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Well-being Ambassador (WBA) Program

Well-being Ambassadors raise awareness of the importance of employee mental health and how the RCMP's programs and services protect and strengthen overall well-being by:

• supporting the divisions in identifying and responding to workplace hazards
• educating employees on workplace psychological healthy and safety
• identifying priorities to ensure divisions have the right programs, tools and training
• coordinating the implementation of the Employee Well-being Strategy initiatives
• engaging with employees and helping address issues and concerns
• supporting divisions in times of crisis

For more information, or to contact a Well-being Ambassador, email wellbeing-mieuxetre@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Spiritual Wellness Services

Spiritual Wellness Services (formerly known as the Chaplaincy Program) is the oldest member wellness service in the RCMP. Spiritual Wellness Service Providers are respected professionals in their local communities and come from a variety of backgrounds that have a heart to support employees.

Spiritual Wellness Service Providers embrace a faith neutral position to provide spiritual and emotional care in a multi-faith environment for all employees and their families. They provide a confidential listening environment, while respecting spiritual sensitivities, religious heritages and diversity of faith traditions.

Spiritual Wellness Service Providers help with:

• work related incidents/conflict
• marriages/relationships/family issues
• traumatic events/investigations
• employee/family deaths - grief support
• sick, injured employees- hospital visits
• spiritual and emotional support

A listening ear, a helping hand, a calming presence can all help someone facing stressful issues.

For more information, or to contact a Spiritual Wellness Service Provider, please email sws-sbs@rcmp-grc.gc.ca with your: name, phone number and province.

Employee Assistance Services

Employee Assistance Services (EAS) provides free and confidential short-term professional counselling for up to 8 hours per issue for all categories of RCMP employees and their dependents (see below for more details). The EAS crisis and referral centre is available 24/7 to assist with any type of issue. You do not have to access your health benefits to use this service. EAS mental health professionals may also refer you to additional support services if required.

There are two ways to contact EAS for a referral to a mental health professional:

By phone

• 1-800-268-7708
• 1-800-567-5803 (TTY)

By online chat

Access the Employee Assistance Program Chat (password: canada)

Note about the online chat:

• available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7:30 pm Eastern Time, excluding statutory holidays
• the chat service is only for making an appointment with a mental health professional, not for immediate counselling
• if you need immediate support, you must call EAS at 1-800-268-7708

EAS provides additional supports and programs, including grief and loss group session following an employee suicide. EAS will provide a mental health professional to hold one free grief and loss group session of up to 3 hours to support colleagues of an employee who dies by suicide. While the session is free, any travel costs will be charged to the requester's unit (manager must have appropriate financial signing authority). You can request this service by calling the Employee Assistance Program Crisis and Referral Centre at 1-800-268-7708.

EAS can also provide specialized organizational services (SOS), which consists of a range of psycho-social services to strengthen employee wellness, team effectiveness and organizational health. These services are available on a cost recovery basis to the user. Frequently requested SOS include: on-site post-incident trauma support for employees and managers, coaching and training in change management, workshops in family and marital issues and Mental Health First Aid. RCMP internal resources should be used when possible.

LifeSpeak expert guidance

LifeSpeak is a free, 100% confidential service for all RCMP employees and their families. It offers hundreds of short videos, "ask the expert" webchats and expert blogs on a variety of topics including relationships, mental health, physical health, finances and more.

Employees and their families can access LifeSpeak services from any computer, tablet or personal smartphone – anytime, anywhere.

You can also download tip sheets and participate in "ask the expert" sessions in real time.

• Visit LifeSpeak (canada.lifespeak.com)
• Enter Access ID "canada"
• Type "Royal Canadian Mounted Police" in the text box and click "submit"

Employee and family resource guide

This guide contains additional information on the supports and services mentioned here, as well as several other resources that are available to employees, veterans and their families.

Employees on leave, families and veterans can request a copy by emailing rcmp.mentalhealthactionplan-planactionsantementale.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Employees can download a copy from the RCMP internal website (Infoweb).

Suicide awareness and prevention wallet cards

The RCMP is addressing the stigma around suicidal thoughts and suicide, as well as mental illness. Our wallet card on suicide prevention (called KNOW SUICIDE) is a quick reference tool for current and former employees and their families. It provides:

• suicide risk factors
• signs of suicide ideation
• tips on what to say to a colleague who is showing signs of suicidal behaviour and
• contact numbers for immediate help

Employees can obtain a copy on the RCMP intranet site. Should you wish to obtain a copy, and do not have access to the intranet, please send an email to rcmp.mentalhealthactionplan-planactionsantementale.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Veterans Affairs Canada services and benefits

While the RCMP is responsible for the programs and services provided to its members, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) administers some of these programs on its behalf, including disability pension awards under the Pension Act and health benefit programs for a service-related injury or illness.

• Visit VAC and search "RCMP" or contact them toll free at 1-866-522-2122, for more information.
• Register for My VAC Account to start an application or to securely communicate with Veterans Affairs Canada.
• Talk to a mental health professional Call 1-800-268-7708 to speak with a mental health professional right now, or use the online chat to set up an appointment. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7 to veterans, former RCMP members, their family members and caregivers.
• RCMP-VAC Liaison Officers: Facilitates and coordinates activities between the RCMP and VAC. RCMP-VAC Liaison Officers help regular members, civilian members and their families navigate the programs and services delivered by VAC. For more information email rcmp-vac_liaison_grc-acc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
• Disability benefits: A monthly, tax-free benefit to compensate for permanent disability caused by a service related injury or disease. There must be documented evidence on your records that the disability is related to RCMP service. Whether serving or retired, you can apply for a disability pension. Additional pension amounts may be paid for eligible dependants such as a spouse, common law partner and/or children.
• Operational Stress Injury (OSI) clinics: Active members and their families may receive treatment at a Veterans Affairs Canada or Canadian Forces OSI clinic when referred by their treating physician and approved by their Health Services Officer. For retired members and their families, OSI clinics are administered through Veterans Affairs Canada. Each OSI clinic has a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and other specialized clinicians who understand the experience and needs of veterans. The team provides personalized assistance and also works closely with resources in the community to help ensure follow-up is available when needed. Family members may also receive or participate in some of the services provided through the clinic.

PSPNET - An internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy program

PSPNET offers internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy, also known as ICBT, specifically tailored for current and former Public Safety Personnel (PSP), including RCMP employees who self-report problems with symptoms related to anxiety, depression or trauma, and who report one or more of the following:

• geographical barriers (for example, difficulty accessing care while posted to remote locations)
• logistical barriers (for example, limited access to standard service hours due to shift work)
• stigma barriers (for example, perceptions of being negatively evaluated for having mental health concerns)
• limited resources (for example, insufficient access)
• a preference for Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy

PSPNETs programs have been specifically designed for the unique challenges and experiences PSP and their families face. There are two treatment options available for PSP: therapist-guided and self-guided.

The therapist-guided version is currently available to PSP residing in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, in both official languages. Work is underway to expand this evidence-based service to other provinces and territories.

Highlights:

• the program is free
• it's quick and easy to access:
  • you don't need a referral from a physician
  • you don't need a diagnosis
  • you can start participating as soon as you're screened in (there's no wait list)
• you get to communicate with a therapist at least once a week, in the official language of your choice
• the therapist is someone familiar with public safety personnel culture and its unique needs
• it's confidential (you don't need permission from your supervisor or manager to participate, nor do you need to inform them of your participation)
• there are two program options:
  • the PSP Wellbeing Course is appropriate for participants who have diverse mental health concerns, and is available in both official languages
  • the PSP PTSD Course is more specific to those who are mainly concerned with symptoms of post-traumatic stress; it's currently available in English, and French is coming soon

The self-guided PSP wellbeing course is available to all PSP across Canada. This self-help version of the PSP Wellbeing Course is designed to show PSP how to manage the thoughts, behaviours, and physical symptoms that are impacting their wellbeing.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, you can contact the PSPNET team at 1-833-317-7233 or pspnet@uregina.ca.

PSPNET - Families well-being hub

PSPNET Families is an online well-being hub designed to support the specific yet diverse challenges faced by loved ones of public safety personnel (PSP). Information applies to all careers within this sector, from the frontline to the office. The hub reflects the many different sectors of PSP, the unique dimensions of PSP work (logistics, risks, and identities), the particular aspects of life experienced by PSP families, and the life- and career-cycles of public safety work.

The hub is an evidence-based resource that provides a wide range of information and strategies informed and vetted by PSP families. The definition of "family" is open and inclusive (for example, chosen families, biological families, LGBTQ+ families, and adoptive and foster families, among others).

The hub involves three interconnected sections:

• Information pages – to help address family issues related to the occupational risks and requirements of public safety work.
• Strategies & Skill-Building pages – tips and exercises designed to address the issues described in the information pages.
• Spouse or Significant Other (SSO) Wellbeing Course – a self-guided, internet-delivered, cognitive behavioural therapy program designed to support a current or past PSP spouse or significant other in their well-being, through preventing or managing symptoms like depression, anxiety, worry, low mood, or stress.

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Road 2 Mental Readiness (R2MR app)

To compliment classroom learning, Department of National Defence created the R2MR app. The app includes RCMP resources for all RCMP employees, veterans and their families and it provides tools to sharpen the skills obtained through the R2MR training. It contains the mental continuum (where you can do a "self-check-in"), tactical breathing, self-talk, goal setting, visualization, attention control and memory game. It's free and available for everyone from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (Apple). Start exploring today!

PTSD Coach Canada app

The PTSD Coach Canada app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that can occur after trauma. Features include:

• Reliable and current information on PTSD and treatments that work
• tools for screening and tracking your symptoms
• convenient, easy-to-use tools to help you handle stress symptoms
• direct links to support and help
• always with you when you need it

You can download the PTSD Coach Canada app for free from the App Store or Google Play.

OSI Connect

The resources on the free OSI Connect app address challenges including:

• post-traumatic stress and triggers
• depression
• anger
• sleep problems
• substance abuse
• stress management and more

It is a regularly updated, information rich, interactive mobile application with assessments, videos and clear information for veterans and others with an occupational stress injury (OSI), including how to get an OSI clinic appointment.

You can download the OSI Connect app for free from the App Store or Google Play.