What is an Operational Stress Injury (OSI)?
An Operational Stress Injury (OSI) is any ongoing psychological difficulty that arises from duties performed during military or police service. It can manifest as a range of health problems, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance use disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), among others. These conditions can significantly interfere with daily functioning.
Many experiences can cause operational stress. While active combat is a well-known cause, there are numerous other events that pose risks to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). These include:
- Participating in search-and-rescue operations
- Attending distressing calls
- Being involved in training accidents
- Handling injured bodies
- Witnessing civilian atrocities
- Being the victim of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and misconduct
When such experiences lead to mental health symptoms that interfere with a person’s life, they can result in an OSI.
An OSI can also affect the lives of others around the individual, leading to marital and family problems. Additionally, OSIs can produce physical symptoms such as stomach upset, headaches, and sleep problems, and they can exacerbate chronic pain conditions.
What is the Operational Stress Injury Clinic?
The Carewest Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic is a specialized mental health service dedicated to Veterans, members of the Canadian Forces and active and retired members of the RCMP, who are encountering ongoing difficulties because of service-related psychological injury and traumatic events.
- What to Expect
- What services are available
- From referrals to treatment
- Our team
- Research
- Links
- Videos
Is there a cost?
There is no cost to the individual or family, for clients authorized to attend the OSI Clinic.
Contact information
Phone: 403-343-4569
Click here to e-mail the Carewest OSI Clinic.
Hours of operation
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday