Hardwired to Help

When people call 911, it’s an indication that something is wrong, and they require help. We’re trained to look for problems.

The same is true for most military members, health care professionals and first responders.

When things are going well, the phone tends to be silent. People reach out because they need something. Our work trains us to approach each interaction looking to quickly assess the problem, and see how we might assist.

This can be a hard pattern to step out of when we leave the office or our work.

It can be exhausting. At work, there may always be a problem. When we go home, it’s important that we allow ourselves to rest. It makes the challenging moments more rewarding and keeps us healthier in the long run.

Allow yourselves to enjoy the silent moments when they occur. Our best selves emerge after stretches of quality down time. This is only possible when we are able to truly allow ourselves to be off duty.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

Only you know what your needs are

Everyone responds to trauma differently. Whether it’s directly, or through secondary exposure, it’s normal to need support at some point in time. You and a co-worker might have been exposed to the same traumatic event. They might seem fine while you feel shaken. Their experience does not invalidate yours. If something in you feels off, there’s likely a good reason for it. It’s not what happens that’s important, but rather the meaning within the context of our lives that counts.

A diagnosis isn’t required to join our community. We can help you access the support and care that you need to get things moving. If you feel like something isn’t quite right and would like assistance getting back to who you want to be, we’d love to help.

You are the expert in knowing what you need. Only you know what is truly going on inside.

Group members are non-judgemental and welcoming, regardless of how long or in what capacity you served.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

Reclaiming our place within community

Often following injury, we withdraw. Over time, this becomes the norm, not the exception. Even the thought of entering busy crowded places can become overwhelming. We forget that often the reason these places are so busy is because they are generally where people are having fun. It’s not a threat, but a place of joy.

I was sitting in a restaurant, and there was a very happy large table of people beside me. It was clear that they were a group of friends having a great time midweek. I was delighted to recognize one of our Landing Strong Members among them. This person later shared that this is not something they would have been doing last year. Now it is a regular highlight of their week.

“I wouldn’t never have been able to be in a big group like that before doing group programs with Landing Strong.”

Participating in programs is an important step in recovering joy.

It allows us to gain comfort sharing and being seen by others.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

Making space for reflection

As I look forward to taking a week-long vacation later this month, I am reminded of the importance of pacing in any of the work we do. Recovery may be a full time job, but like any job, it’s necessary to take breaks. The trick is knowing when we need to rest and for how long, mindful that it doesn’t turn into avoidance. One of the most important things about vacation is that it allows us time to return and see things from a fresh perspective. Meaningful changes happen when we allow ourselves the time and space for reflection.

Where do I hope to be in five years?

What about this time next year?

How do I want to feel?

What is my recovery mission?

All you have to know is the desired destination. We’ll help you with the journey.

We are offering a number of programs leading up to the summer:

• Our monthly Maintaining Health program is this coming Friday (not our usual Thursday).
• We still have spots in Overcoming Trauma: Your Past is not your future, starting later this month.

Give us a call so we can help you get to where you want to be.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

Change is just around the corner

We’ve all got ‘em, the “Still winter blues”. It’s not a coincidence that people tend to flock towards sunny destinations this time of year. We’re all hungry for a shot of vitamin D.

I’ll be honest. This morning, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and trudged to work like a grumpy bear. I wracked my brain trying to pinpoint the cause. My first client was also making his way out of hibernation. As I heard him speak of the effect of the winter weather on his mood, it clicked. My mood also was being affected by limited sunshine and the weather. This realization instantly made me feel better. Hearing his words prompted my mood to shift. I’ve been cheerful and uplifted since.

With a little support and connection, meaningful change can happen quicker than you think.

The forecast is still calling for snow, but I know it won’t weigh me down anymore and there are many positives just around the corner.

Jump start your spring, and sign up now for one of our many upcoming groups:

Date Night (final of the series) all are welcome – March 9th

Maintaining Health – March 17th

Overcoming Trauma and building Resiliency – Friday group: March 24, 31 & April 14, 21, 28; Wednesday group: March 29, April 5, 12, 26, May 3

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong