PTSD Support for Nurses

07/11/2025

After a shift that asked everything of you, remember the incredible power held within your own breath. You're constantly pouring out compassion, strength, and expertise. But for a moment, let that breath be for you.

Your body carries so much – the weight of long hours, the echoes of hard moments, and the silent wisdom of every interaction. Taking these intentional moments to breathe isn't just about oxygen; it's about signaling safety to your nervous system. To release the tension you didn't even realize you were holding. To recharge that inner well of resilience.

You're not just strong; you're profoundly human. And your well-being is just as vital as the care you give. Take that moment, nurse. You absolutely deserve it, and you've got this.

What's one small way you're going to breathe and recharge today?
Share it below – let's support each other! 👇

07/08/2025

You know it, nurses. That ache deep in your bones. That quiet yearning for connection that truly *sees* you, beyond the scrubs and the courageous smiles.

In the relentless rhythm of healthcare, amidst the codes and the crises, the patient care and the charting, we're constantly navigating a world full of subtle invitations to connect—those precious **breadcrumbs** that hint at a colleague's struggle, a patient's unspoken fear, or our *own* quiet overwhelm. Too often, we're too busy, too exhausted, or perhaps, too conditioned to push through and miss these vital cues.

But what if noticing these small, sacred truths—in others and, bravely, in ourselves—could **transform the very fabric of our support systems**? This isn't just about 'good communication'; it's about the **fierce vulnerability of offering our true selves** and the **deep courage of truly witnessing one another's burdens and triumphs.** It's about creating a space where no one feels alone.

Dive into my latest article, "How to Build Deeper Relationships: The Breadcrumb Trail to True Connection," and discover the art of truly hearing, truly seeing, and truly connecting. Because when we learn to pick up those breadcrumbs – especially within our own nursing family – that's where healing begins, and where true belonging, breathtakingly, starts to bloom.

Are you ready to unlock deeper connections and build the support you and your colleagues deserve? Click here to read more! https://www.ceecounselling.com/post/how-to-build-deeper-relationships

If you're a nurse navigating the complexities of your experiences and seeking a space to truly be heard and understood, I'm here. Book a session with me to explore how counselling can support your well-being. https://eastvancouvercounselling.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/64/treatment/450

*erSupport

03/18/2025

Ever feel like your heart's carrying a weight you can't quite name? Like a whisper of sadness that just won't fade? Yeah, me too. It's that unresolved grief, those unspoken stories, that settle deep within us. And then, life throws us a curveball – a song, a scent, a memory – and BAM! We're overwhelmed.

It's not weakness, nurses. It's your body's way of saying, 'Hey, listen to me.' It's the armor we wear to keep the pain at bay, but sometimes, the armor gets too heavy.

So, let's try something gentle: find a quiet space, just for you. Breathe. Let the memories come, without judgment. Let the tears fall, if they need to. You're not alone in this.

And if you're ready to unpack those unspoken stories, to find a path to healing? I'm here. Click the link in my bio. Let's walk this journey together.

03/18/2025

Do you ever feel like, no matter how hard you try, you're just... not enough? Yeah, me too. It's that sneaky little voice whispering in your ear, telling you that you're failing, that you're falling short. And honestly? It's exhausting.

Here's the thing: that voice? It's not the truth. It's the echo of old stories, of shame, of the armor we wear to protect ourselves. It's the 'fight or flight' response kicking in, telling us we're under attack.

But you're not under attack. You're human. And being human means we're all a little bit broken, a little bit messy, and a whole lot worthy.

So, let's try something: for five minutes today, write down three things you appreciate about yourself. Not the 'shoulds' or the 'have tos,' but the real, honest-to-goodness things that make you, you.

And if you're ready to unpack those old stories, to quiet that inner critic, to embrace your worthiness? I'm here. Click the link in my bio. Let's talk.

11/27/2024

🌟 Update! 🌟

Hi everyone! It’s been a few years since my last post, and oh, what a journey it’s been! Over the past three years, I decided to go back to school and obtained my Master’s in Counseling Psychology. I’m thrilled to say that I’m now a counsellor, focusing on serving nurses. I feel more equipped than ever to help those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Another huge highlight I want to share is that I’ve written my first book! It’s a self-care guide for nurses, filled with simple, actionable strategies. I’m beyond excited to announce that it’s now an Amazon #1 Best Seller in Nursing Specialties! 🎉

If you’re interested, message me for a free copy! I’m passionate about spreading the word and raising awareness to support nurses everywhere.

And if you’re in Vancouver, BC, I’m giving out free bubble tea! 🍵💖 Feel free to spread the word to your friends and family.

Thank you all for your continued support! Let’s make a difference together! 💪✨

P*e, Eat, and Breathe: A Nurse's Simple Guide to Self-Care

03/21/2021

Personalized self care packages are back! Thank you for your patience! Message me to get your own and send it to your healthcare friends! 

It has been a year since social distancing and our lifestyle has been altered drastically. It hasn’t been easy but we made it. Let’s continue to replenish, restore, and rejuvenate our resilience through self-care. 

Healthcare providers, thank you for all the work you do. It’s time to care about you.

The Neighbourhood Small Grant project was funded by the Vancouver Foundation and administered by the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House.





workers

12/11/2020

I am incredibly honored to have been named Business in Vancouver's Forty under 40 Class of 2020. I will continue to strive to raise awareness of the psychological health of the healthcare providers. 

Congratulations to all the 2020 BIV Forty under 40 award recipients.






12/01/2020

Thank you Brenden from My Prince George Now for the well written article and raising the awareness of frontline healthcare workers’ psychological wellbeing to the public. Thank you BCNU President for bringing the awareness of nurses’ stress levels, high levels of burnout and PTSD to the public. 

If you are a healthcare provider looking to engage in self care, message us to get a personalized self care package today. 






11/16/2020

Thank you Suraiya, the founder of Homecoming Candles, for supporting nurses and frontline healthcare workers with her exquisite planet friendly candles and home mist. Homecoming Candles are perfect to help ease, soothe, and slow down our mind after a hectic day. I love to incorporate breathing exercises as I watch the lovely flickering and the gentle glow. Suraiya has also provided us with her hand made home mists. Home mist is such a brilliant idea. It will subtly add a wonderful fragrance and cover up the code brown odors. I think this is essential to all hospital units!! 

Pampering yourself is self care. The goal is to make yourself happier and healthier. At the end of the 12 hour shift, our body is strained from both physical and psychological burden. It is important to release the pain, suffering, trauma in order to replenish our capacity to be present for our ourselves, family, friends, and patients. Note how I intentionally place ‘ourselves’ first. Attending to our well-being can help to minimize the incidence of burnout, compassion fatigue, or trauma-related reactions (eg. PTSD, depression, anxiety).

It’s time to advocate for yourself!

Message us to get your own personalized self-care kit.






11/11/2020

This Ted-Ed illustrates the concept of ‘the hidden wound’ in an easy to understand manner. Sometimes I wish I had a 2 inch scar on my face to demonstrate the pain I am experiencing rather than enduring this invisible wound silently. 

One point I would like to highlight is that people who might be suffering from PTSD might not even know what they are experiencing. Since the assault at work, my ‘fight-flight-freeze’ was in constant activation to the point that it ‘fried my hard drive’. If you notice your friend or family displaying a change in personality after a traumatic event, encourage them to talk to you, a mental health professional, or to us. It can be easier to talk to us if you friend or family is in healthcare since we can talk casually as a coworker. 

The video also mentioned about the importance of self-care. Healthcare providers are exposed to distressing events on a daily basis and it is imperative to engage in self-care. Self-care is mental detoxification and trauma is a form of toxin. Our mind needs cleansing and decluttering in order to maintain brain health.

Nurses and healthcare professional, let’s get started in self-care! Message us to get your own personalized self-care kit.

Watch the TED Ed here https://www.ted.com/talks/joelle_rabow_maletis_the_psychology_of_post_traumatic_stress_disorder/transcript?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social&utm_content=2020-11-11&fbclid=IwAR0_Ryhok6FfAWQgylKvyHGHBDDv6tLFBgTVBcLUvOV39wNApurQX9MnNZ8






11/04/2020

We are grateful to have sponsoring us with their exquisite tea sachets to help us de-stress in this challenging time.

Sarah, from DavidsTea, has thoughtfully selected Mother’s little helper and Dream on for us frontline workers. Organic mother’s little helper consists of such calming ingredients that make it perfect to drink on night shifts and even before sleep. Organic Dream on makes sleeping during the day so much easier. 

Sleep is self-care. This is the time to practice self-care in order to be stronger and more resilient. We need to protect ourselves against infection as well as psychological critical distress.

Getting a good sleep has been a challenge for us shift workers. Try these strategies for inducing a good ‘day’ sleep & staying awake at night

* Use black out curtain to decrease light exposure in order to facilitate melatonin production.
* Have a cup of coffee then take a 20 minute nap. Caffeine will kick in by the time you wake up.
* Try journaling to get the worries out of your head.
* Stretching before sleep can induce sleepiness
* Increase intake of serotonin and tryptophan (dairy, eggs, nuts, salmon)

Insufficient sleep can lead to a decrease in our mental capacity and resiliency. It is normal to lose sleep from time to time. If you do experience insomnia, try to identify and eliminate the stressors. You can also reach out to us.