Brian Knowler, an OPP officer based in Chatham-Kent, will be at the Wallaceburg Branch of CKPL on June 23 to discuss the book he has published about his battles with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“On the Other Side of Broken: One Cop’s Battle with PTSD,” is the title of the book.
In 2004, Knowler was the first police officer at the scene of a fatal collision.
“I watched a close friend die in my arms,” he said.
It wasn’t until 2012 when he could finally admit he had a problem after hiding all the effects the accident had on him. He was diagnosed with PTSD. In the years since then, he has regained control of his life.
PTSD can make someone seem like a different person. Avoidance, depression, anger, nightmares, reminders of trauma, substance abuse and even suicide are all possible symptoms that can come with the illness.
There are ways to cure PTSD that many are unaware of. Counselling, support groups, and medication can be very helpful in the situation.
The passing of legislation earlier this year, presuming that post-traumatic stress disorder among Ontario’s first responders is work-related points to a growing recognition across Canada that occupational injuries are not just physical.
To date, 23 first responders and five military members have died by suicide in Canada this year.
Among first responders and nurses, there is a lot of stigma surrounding mental illness, because they see themselves as helpers. A “suck it up and move on” mentality is often there when it comes to the job of first responders and nurses.
In reality, first responders have a greater risk of developing PTSD than soldiers in combat zones.
About 10 per cent of women develop PTSD sometime in their lives compared with about four per cent of men.
PTSD can have a huge impact on loved ones as well, who are also able to join a support group or if necessary, counselling.
Knowler’s wife, Cathy, wrote a chapter in the book, on her experience as a proud police wife watching her husband turn into a man she didn’t recognize.
Join the library at 6:30 p.m. to hear Knowler’s journey.
Admission is free.
