nsd News
PTSD Awareness Day – Changing Lives Through Service
Monday, June 27 is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day and National Service Dogs has been helping and supporting those diagnosed with PTSD – from first responders to veterans and others – for many years.
We provide these service dogs free of charge and, thanks to our current volunteer team, our program continues to empower people to achieve their full potential.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric illness caused by exposure to one or more traumatic events. The Government of Canada reported that an estimate of 10% of war zone veterans will experience PTSD, while others might experience at least some of the symptoms associated with PTSD.
The PTSD Awareness Day colour is teal, and we are showing support by wearing the colour in recognition of those who are diagnosed with PTSD.
How do dogs HELP?
Each of NSD’s life changing PTSD Service and Peer Support Facility Dog Teams directly mitigates the symptoms of PTSD to help improve the mental health and quality of life of the humans they are partnered with. The dogs also help breakdown social barriers and create safe space for reconnecting people with their families and communities.
Promote Integration and Activity: Having the responsibility of another being that is a consistent caring companion helps build ties to the future. The dogs are active and require the individual to get out and exercise. The care of the dog also brings routine back into their life.
Suppress Hyper Vigilance: Hyper vigilance creates constant tension and paranoia. Individuals often require more personal space than the average individual. The dogs are trained to create a physical barrier that keeps the public at a comfortable distance.
Provide Reality Affirmation and Redirection: The dogs are trained to recognize the individual’s anxious behaviour and physically redirect them to more positive activities i.e. petting the dog. In addition, for those experiencing nightmares or flashbacks, the dogs can provide vitally important reality affirmation with their persistent nudges and calm disposition. Often the fact that the dog is not reacting allows the individual to feel safe in their environment.
Why support NSD?
We are a non-profit organization that receives no government funding and we rely on your gifts of time and dollars. NSD relies heavily on our amazing team of volunteers to continue training NSD dogs and helping Canadians in need. You can emBARK on NSD’s journey too by volunteering or donating today!
Each volunteer plays a role in helping first responders and veterans who have PTSD through the various volunteer opportunities available at NSD.
Studies indicate that “over 70 percent of Canadians have been exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Also, nearly 1 out of 10 Canadians may develop PTSD at some point in their lives.”
Benefits of volunteering with NSD:
- Healthy work environment – NSD is inclusive and welcoming and works to provide a fulfilling experience.
- Helping the community – Service dogs are very expensive making them inaccessible to a lot of people. NSD provides certified service dogs for PTSD free of cost.
- Networking – Meeting like-minded people through volunteering helps build network connections and community relationships.
- It feels good to give back!
If you need help please reach out:
Tales from Our Teams:
Tales from our Volunteers:
Become a part of the National Service Dogs’ team today by volunteering. EmBARK on our journey to help veterans and first responders who are diagnosed with PTSD.
