Emergency Workers Mental Health Resources Symposium – January 22, 2019
Join host Daniel Sundahl at the McLab Centre in Leduc for a free event dedicated to supporting the mental health of first responders and emergency workers in the Edmonton area. Gain valuable insights into available mental health resources and strategies for recovery and post-traumatic growth.
This symposium features expert speakers sharing practical tools and support systems for first responders and their families. Topics include post-traumatic growth, re-integration, critical incident stress management, and spouse support networks.
Featured Speakers:
- Post-Traumatic Growth – Daniel Sundahl, Paramedic/Firefighter, Artist (www.dansunphotos.com)
- A.S.K. All Services Kinship – Mike Skinner, Paramedic/Firefighter
- Alberta Critical Incident Provincial Network – Jeff Sych, M.Sc., R.Psych. (https://abcism.ca)
- Legacy Place Society – Diana Festejo, Executive Director (https://legacyplacesociety.com)
- Re-Integration – Sergeant Glen Klose, Edmonton Police Service
- Strathcona Firefighter Paramedic Spouses Association – Katie Bickell and Elliott Davis (http://scfpspouseassociation.ca)
Who Should Attend?
- Paramedics
- Fire/Rescue Personnel
- Law Enforcement
- Military Emergency Personnel
- Nurses
- Dispatchers
- Social Workers
- Emergency Services Managers
- First Responder Families
…and other emergency professionals.
Details:
Date: January 22, 2019
Location: McLab Centre, Leduc, AB
Cost: Free (sponsored by Leduc City Fire Services)
Register now to explore mental health resources and gain actionable ideas for improving well-being in emergency services.
For more information and registration, visit [link] or contact us at info@legacyplacesociety.com.
Military Challenge Course Competition – Achieve Your Personal Best!
From now until March 7th, test your strength and agility on the Military Challenge Course at InjaNation in Calgary, AB. This exciting challenge is open to First Responders and Military Personnel, with an amazing grand prize for the winner: a return trip for two via Air North from Calgary to Whitehorse and additional activities in the beautiful Yukon (details to follow).
How It Works:
- Visit InjaNation during business hours.
- Show your First Responder or Military ID.
- Sign the waiver and gear up in appropriate fitness attire.
- Complete the Military Challenge Course, aiming for your best time (approximately 7 minutes to complete).
- Your time will be added to our Top 20 Leaderboard.
You can attempt the course as often as you like before March 7th to improve your time! Leaderboard updates will be posted every Friday morning on the Legacy Place Society Facebook Page.
The Showdown:
- Date: March 7th
- Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Top 20 Times: Compete for the grand prize!
Family Night Fun – March 7th
Join us from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a special Family Night at InjaNation! Bring your colleagues, friends, and family for just $5/person and enjoy:
- Dodgeball
- Trampolining
- Wall Climbing
- Military Course Showdown
What to Bring:
- Fitness attire
- Water bottle
- Snacks
Each participant will need to sign a waiver.
Special Discount Offer:
InjaNation is offering an incredible deal for First Responders, Military Personnel, and their families. Access 4 hours of fun (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, any night of the week) for just $12.50/person—half the regular price! One member of your group must present valid First Responder or Military ID.
Location:
InjaNation
102 52 Aero Dr NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8Z9
Visit InjaNation’s Website & Waiver
Don’t miss this chance to challenge yourself, enjoy team-building fun, and compete for an unforgettable prize! Mark your calendars and join us!
For more information, contact Legacy Place Society or follow us on Facebook.
THANK YOU INJANATION for your GENEROUS SUPPORT!!!
THANK YOU AIR NORTH for a fantastic prize!!
Obstacle Course Challenge and Dodgeball Night – March 7th, 2019
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, fitness, and friendly competition at the annual Legacy Place Society & InjaNation Obstacle Course Challenge and Dodgeball Night!
Event Details
Date: Thursday, March 7th, 2019
Time: Competition starts at 7:00 PM and wraps up by 9:00 PM
Location:
InjaNation
Unit 102, 52 Aero Drive NE
Calgary, AB
What to Expect
The InjaNation Obstacle Course is designed to test your strength, agility, and teamwork. Compete individually or as part of a team to achieve the best overall time. This exciting event is perfect for First Responders, Military Personnel, and their families. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun night out, there’s something for everyone!
After the obstacle course challenge, stick around for a high-energy dodgeball game that promises plenty of laughs and team-building moments.
Why Attend?
- Challenge Yourself: Take on the obstacle course to test your limits.
- Build Camaraderie: Strengthen bonds with colleagues, friends, and family.
- Have Fun: Enjoy an evening filled with laughter, adrenaline, and great company.
- Support a Cause: Proceeds from the event benefit Legacy Place Society, supporting First Responders and Military Personnel.
Special Family Pricing
Bring the whole family for just $5 per person! Enjoy all the amenities InjaNation has to offer, including trampolines, wall climbing, and more.
How to Register
No pre-registration is required. Simply arrive at InjaNation, sign a waiver, and get ready for an action-packed evening. Remember to bring:
- Fitness attire
- Water bottles
- A competitive spirit!
Mark your calendar and don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with others in your community, have fun, and make lasting memories.
For more information, visit the Legacy Place Society Facebook Page or contact us directly. We can’t wait to see you there!
Cope with Sadness: Effective Strategies to Heal and Find Comfort
Sadness can feel overwhelming, but learning how to cope with sadness can help you regain control and find emotional relief. Whether there’s a specific cause or no clear reason for your sadness, it’s important to process these emotions in healthy ways. This article explores practical strategies to help you cope with sadness, heal emotionally, and soothe yourself during tough times.
Understanding How to Cope with Sadness
When sadness washes over you, it can feel like a heavy burden. Acknowledging your emotions and giving yourself permission to feel them is an essential step in coping with sadness. Dr. Deborah Serani, a clinical psychologist, shares valuable insights into the importance of sitting with your sadness and then moving forward.
Journaling: A Powerful Tool
Journaling is one of the best ways to cope with sadness, allowing you to express and release your emotions. Writing down your feelings, including the physical sensations and thoughts, helps create space for healing. Dr. Serani emphasizes that this technique aids in gaining perspective and solving problems that may be contributing to your emotional state.
Self-Talk: A Crucial Component to Cope with Sadness
How we talk to ourselves when feeling sad has a significant impact on emotional well-being. Negative self-talk can intensify sadness, but by practicing positive self-talk, we can shift our mindset. Dr. Serani advises replacing negative thoughts with realistic affirmations, focusing on actions and small steps that lead to positive change.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation is essential for emotional recovery. Slow, deep breaths and visualizing peaceful images can help your body and mind unwind. Relaxation techniques not only soothe the body but also calm the mind, making it easier to cope with sadness and find emotional balance.
Satisfy Your Senses
Engaging your senses is a wonderful way to cope with sadness. Dr. Serani suggests activities like listening to calming music, lighting a soothing candle, or enjoying a walk in nature. Sensory experiences provide immediate comfort and help shift your focus from sadness to peace.
The Power of Laughter
Laughter is a natural mood booster and plays a vital role in emotional healing. Dr. Serani explains that laughter activates feel-good hormones, reduces stress, and enhances our immune system. Seeking out activities that make you laugh—whether watching a funny video or reading a humorous book—can provide a much-needed break from sadness.
By practicing these strategies, you can learn how to cope with sadness and transform difficult emotions into opportunities for growth and healing.
Article contribution by Margarita Tartakovsky, MS. For more articles on emotional health and well-being, visit PsychCentral.com.
FREE EVENT: Calling on all First Responders, Military Personnel & your families