Whether in small, peer group settings or through organizing a large, multi-speaker mental wellness event, Jean-Guy Poirier is raising awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Poirier, of Stratford, started ‘PTSD The Truth Behind the Smile’, a peer support group, on Facebook in 2017 after a hospital stay. That followed his own traumatic experiences during 11 years as a firefighter.
He has since started peer support groups in Kitchener and London.
Poirier advocates getting help from a mental health professional, but also notes that peer support groups can be beneficial.
“This is kind of in between…always nice to get all of your information from a professional but at the same time a professional is not going to give you the insights of a peer group.”
Everyone in the groups, usually consisting of five to eight members, has something different to share, he said. They generally meet once-per-week and have a main topic, discussion and end with a gratitude session.
PTSD can affect every aspect of a person’s life, Poirier said.
“It takes a lot of time and a lot of work…but you also have to work on yourself.”
Poirier has also organized ‘Empowering Mental Wellness’, scheduled for May 23, 7-10 p.m. at Stratford Rotary Complex. Guest speakers include Dr. Edward Beharry, a psychologist with experience in various clinical settings, who has worked with first responders.
Also speaking at the event are Ken Reid, a Sportsnet Central co-anchor, author and mental health advocate and Scott Goyette, founder of the Go Love Now Movement.
Emcee is Stewart Reynolds, a Stratford-based comedian, writer and host.
“This event is designed to bring more awareness,” Poirier said.
Tickets are still available on Eventbrite.
