Operational Stress Injury Social Support Program (OSISS)

The Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) Program, created in 2001, is a partnership program between the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada. OSISS is a critical non-clinical addition to the mental health services of both departments and offers a wide range of services by Peer Support Coordinators (PSC) to any serving or retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who suffers from an operational stress injury and to their family.

Details

An Operational Stress Injury (OSI) is a non-medical term used to describe a psychological injury that may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse and more. An OSI can develop following a traumatic event, combat, grief or loss, high stress situations or from operational fatigue.

Breaking down the barriers of stigma and providing social support has led many CAF members, Veterans and their families to seek the needed help.