True / False
The O in OSI stands for - Outstanding
False - it stands for Operational or Occupational
True or False- The only way you can get an Operational Stress Injury is by watching someone die.
False. Watching someone die can impact your mental health but there are many other ways that can negatively impact your mental health.
Myth or Fact. Someone dealing with a mental health injury can suddenly feel intense sadness or anger.
Fact. Part of living with a mental health injury is suddenly having feelings creep up on you without warning.
Julia's dad is a police officer and has an OSI. When he comes home from work sometimes he acts like he is angry at Julia and she doesn't want to hang out around him. If you were Julia's friend what would you tell her to do?
It can be hard for first responders who work all day with stressful events and then have to come home and shake off the day. Julia should be reminded that her Dad's OSI is not her fault and her dad still loves her regardless of if he can get upset.
Suggest Julia to ask her dad to hang out after he has had some time to calm down after a stressful day. Ask her dad if he would like to do something that is still relaxing or enjoyable to both Julia and her dad (basketball, game of cards, episode of a funny show).
What is Jerris and Helena's favorite animal??
CATS!!!!
Anyone with a very stressful job and a high-demanding work environment like nurses, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, correctional workers, 911 dispatchers can get an OSI.
True! Anyone that faces very high stressful work environments and potentially traumatic situations because of the work they do will impact your mental health and can turn into an OSI.
List 2 OPERATIONAL stressors that first responders or military members can face as part of their job?
OPERATIONAL STRESSORS can include: unpredictable working environments, lots and lots of paperwork shift work, having to go to unsafe situations by yourself, watching really sad things happen to people, being around sick people a lot, being responsible for people's safety, not being able to help someone or save them.
Myth or Fact. An invisible injury like an OSI or PTSD can effect how you think, feel and act.
FACT. Mental health injuries impact our whole self including what we think(That loud sound startled me), how we feel ( I feel scared and not safe) and how we act (i.e I need to leave this soccer game and get someone safer).
True/False. Sometimes living with a parent who has an OSI can create feelings in kids or teens like frustration, confusion, sadness, loneliness, anger.
True! It is normal to feel all of these feelings when your parent is impacted by a mental health injury. There are lots of times when your parent can't do the same things they used to do or change how they act which can cause these feelings in you. That's okay. You aren't alone.
The S in OSI stands for STRESS.
True!
What can someone do if they have just witnessed a stressful event like a car accident?
Take a break and call someone you trust to talk about something you like or enjoy (sports, shopping, favorite movie etc).
Go for a short walk outside and practice breathing.
Listen to some songs from a playlist that makes you feel good.
When your parent gets triggered by something and it causes them to react in a way that creates anger or sadness and they want to be by themselves or not attend a family event - it is your responsibility to fix your parent from the OSI.
This is a MYTH! When your parent gets triggered by something like a loud noise or smell or something they have seen and it affects how they feel and act - this is not your responsibility to fix.
You get to just be a teenager and trust that your parent will find ways to work through their emotions and symptoms in their own way and own time.
Is it normal for kids or teens to feel like they do not always understand their parent's reactions and Feel as though they are walking on eggshells?
Yes feeling confused or not sure how your parent will feel, act or think is completely normal!
Remember the OSI is not your fault and It's okay to ask questions to your parents if you are feeling unsure, confused or worried. Find someone you trust like a friend or teacher or counselor that you can talk to for times that you are having a hard time managing your own feelings.
The I in OSI - Stands for Intense
False - It stands for Injury.
True/False. An accumalation or build up of a number of work stressors over time can lead to an OSI.
True! One of the unique factors related to working as a first responder or military member is that they face high-demanding stressors daily. Anyone that deals with a lot of stress can affect their mental health and cause an OSI.
Myth or Fact. This is an example of a sign or symptom of an OSI- Loss of interest in activities/“I don't care” attitude.
Fact. Losing interest in places, or things or activities is a common symptom in someone experiencing a mental health injury.
Your parent just told you that your plans have to be cancelled in going to your favorite theme park because your parent with the OSI is not feeling well. What are some possible healthy reactions to this news?
After getting news that is upsetting or disappointing it is okay to feel a number of emotions. Let yourself sit with that and take sometime to do something that comforts you (walk, relax in your bedroom, listen to music, draw, paint).
Offer to your family a number of different family activities that could be "OSI" friendly - games night and movie, family cook off competition, outdoor activity like a bikeride, outdoor sports game.
True/False. If your family has a parent with an OSI it is not acceptable to laugh anymore.
FALSE!!! Laugh and give yourself permission to talk about other things. Having an OSI in the family is just one part of what makes your family. There are so many other pieces and things that make your parent special. Don't forget to find ways to have fun, and laugh.
True/False It is important to look after your mental health everyday just like your physical health so that you know when you need to do more if you are feeling down, sad, worried, anxious.
TRUE. Thinking about your mental health and understanding the differences you feel is just as important as thinking about if you are tired, or hungry! Setting good habits for your mental health includes every morning taking time to think about how you are feeling and what things may be causes to your emotional health.
FACT! Even if you have a mental health injury like an OSI you can still have good mental health. Managing your mental health is just like your physical health you can still have fun and experience happiness. You can do things to help manage difficult emotions and symptoms.
You are wanting to explain an OSI to a friend, what are some things you could say to help explain what this is?
It's a mental health injury
Many first responders and military members can get this because of the stressful work they do.
It can be confusing or hard to understand because you can't see this injury, it is invisible.