Reimagined connection: New possibilities for virtual mental health support for children and youth of public safety personnel affected by operational stress injuries

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Young people in public safety personnel (PSP)-connected families are affected by the distinctive stress related to having a parent with mental health issues, including operational stress injuries (OSIs) and the existing strain connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. This increased vulnerability makes it important to be innovative in opportunities for prevention in the PSP community. After reviewing available resources aimed at helping young people affected by a parental OSI, the authors uncovered a gap in prevention and intervention programs accessible to all Canadian PSP families. A new virtual six-week program offered to Canadian young people in military and PSP families affected by an OSI creates potential for developing resilience. The online platform opens access to young people who may be isolated from joining a traditional face-to-face mental health support program with peers. The virtual program aims to empower young people in their knowledge of mental health and enable them to learn about the complex nature of parental OSIs, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. More research on this program is needed to ensure interventions created for this target population are effective in the Canadian context and meet the unique needs of PSP-connected young people.