Request CISM Support

Critical Incident Stress Management support is available following any event that may have caused significant psychological impact to you or your team.

Update this section with your CISM Lead's direct contact information before deploying.

Find a Peer Supporter

Peer supporters are trained colleagues who provide confidential, informal early support. They are not therapists. They listen, validate, help with grounding, and connect people to the right resource when more support is needed.

Mental Health First Aid Contacts
Terin M. Berkach
Mental Health First Aid
Joshua S. Caisse
Mental Health First Aid
Teresa Miller
Mental Health First Aid
Aaron Phelps
Mental Health First Aid
Carole Stewart
Mental Health First Aid
Psychological First Aid Contacts
Toyin Amos-Farinloye
Psychological First Aid
Connie Bradburn
Psychological First Aid
Amy Dunn
Psychological First Aid
Charlene Luskey
Psychological First Aid
Carole Stewart
Psychological First Aid
Audrey Wishlow
Psychological First Aid

Note: Peer support, Mental Health First Aid, and Psychological First Aid are early support options. Use crisis or emergency supports first when there is immediate safety risk.

Mental Health First Aid Contacts

Use Mental Health First Aid contacts when someone needs an early supportive conversation, help recognizing mental health concerns, or guidance connecting to the right resource. Use crisis or emergency supports first when there is an immediate safety concern.

Mental Health First Aid Contacts
Terin M. Berkach
Mental Health First Aid
Joshua S. Caisse
Mental Health First Aid
Teresa Miller
Mental Health First Aid
Aaron Phelps
Mental Health First Aid
Carole Stewart
Mental Health First Aid

Psychological First Aid Contacts

Use Psychological First Aid when someone needs immediate stabilization, grounding, and supportive connection after a difficult or distressing event, but there is no immediate safety emergency.

Psychological First Aid Contacts
Toyin Amos-Farinloye
Psychological First Aid
Connie Bradburn
Psychological First Aid
Amy Dunn
Psychological First Aid
Charlene Luskey
Psychological First Aid
Carole Stewart
Psychological First Aid
Audrey Wishlow
Psychological First Aid
SaskatchewanPublic Safety Agency
🧠 Employee Wellness

Employee Wellness Hub

Find support, understand your stress, and access resources — all in one place

🚨

In immediate crisis or danger? Tap here.

988 Crisis Lifeline — call or text · 24/7 · Free · Confidential

What do you need right now?

Answer a few screening questions and we'll point you to the least intensive appropriate support.

Important: Being stressed or overworked does not automatically mean you need clinical or CISM support. The guide looks at safety, critical incident exposure, persistence, intensity, and impact on daily functioning.

How to use the stress zones

The zones are not a diagnosis. One sign by itself does not usually move you into a higher zone. Look for a pattern across intensity, duration, number of signs, functional impact, and safety risk.

Number of signsSeveral signs together matter more than one isolated sign.
IntensityMild pressure is different from symptoms that feel hard to control.
DurationTemporary reactions are usually Yellow. Persistent symptoms, often around two weeks or more, may indicate Orange.
FunctioningIf sleep, concentration, relationships, work, or basic routines are significantly affected, step up support.
Green — Ready & Well
You are coping well. Performing at your best. Stress is within normal range.
You may be in Green if: workload or pressure exists, but you are generally sleeping, functioning, recovering, and staying connected. High workload alone does not move you out of Green if recovery and functioning remain intact.
Signs you may be in the Green zone
Sleeping well
Enjoying your work
Connected to colleagues
Positive mood & energy
Handling challenges calmly
Balanced home & work life
What to do in the Green zone
🛡️Protect your green zone — maintain routines that keep you well (sleep, exercise, social connection)
👥Check in on colleagues — your wellbeing puts you in a position to support others
📚Build your stress literacy — learn the signs of yellow zone before you need them
If you’re a supervisorWhen your team is in the green zone, focus on normalizing stress conversations. Regular informal check-ins maintain trust before a crisis. Recognize and celebrate team resilience.

Quick Self-Check

Over the past week, how would you describe your sleep?
Yellow — Reacting
Normal stress response to challenging events. Expected and temporary — but worth paying attention to.
You may be in Yellow if: you have a few early stress signs that are temporary, manageable, and not seriously impairing work or home life. This is the usual zone for feeling overworked, stretched, irritable, or tired while still functioning.
Signs you may be in the Yellow zone
Mild anxiety or worry
Sleep slightly disrupted
Irritability or short temper
Replaying difficult events
Lower energy than usual
Withdrawing slightly from others
What to do in the Yellow zone
🌿Activate recovery routines — rest, movement, time away from work stimuli
💬Talk to a trusted colleague, peer supporter, or supervisor — don’t sit with it alone
🎯Limit exposure where possible — set boundaries around news, difficult files, or overtime
📞Consider a proactive EFAP session — you don’t need to be in crisis to benefit
If you’re a supervisorYellow zone signals in your team are your opportunity to intervene early. A direct, caring check-in can prevent escalation. Adjust workload or scheduling if possible. Don’t wait for a formal incident.

Quick Self-Check

Are you replaying difficult work events after hours?
Orange — Injured
You are experiencing a stress injury. This needs active attention — self-care alone is not enough.
You may be in Orange if: several signs are persistent, worsening, or affecting your ability to function. Orange usually means symptoms have lasted around two weeks or more, or the impact is significant enough that normal recovery routines are not working.
Signs you may be in the Orange zone
Persistent anxiety or dread
Significant sleep problems
Emotional numbness
Avoiding work or colleagues
Increased alcohol or substance use
Difficulty concentrating
Recurring nightmares
Feeling hopeless or trapped
What to do in the Orange zone
📞Contact GreenShield EFAP now — request a counselling appointment. You don’t need a referral.
🤝Tell someone you trust — a peer supporter, your supervisor, or the CISM Lead. You don’t have to manage this alone.
🏥Speak to your physician if symptoms have persisted more than 2 weeks
⚠️Reduce your exposure to additional stressors — this is a legitimate, recognized occupational injury
If you’re a supervisorOrange zone employees need your active support. Have a private, non-judgmental conversation. Offer operational accommodation where possible. Connect them directly to resources. Document your support actions. Involve HR if needed.

Quick Self-Check

Have these signs lasted more than 2 weeks?
Red — Ill
You are experiencing a serious stress illness. Reach out for help today — you do not need to manage this alone.
You may be in Red if: there is a safety concern, thoughts of self-harm, severe impairment, inability to function, inability to care for yourself, or an urgent need for professional or emergency support.
Signs you may be in the Red zone
Unable to function at work
Thoughts of self-harm
Severe depression or anxiety
Substance dependence
Complete social withdrawal
Inability to care for yourself
Act now — support is available today
🚪If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
📱Call or text 988 — Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline — available 24/7, free, and confidential
📞Contact GreenShield EFAP immediately — crisis counselling is available same-day
🤝Call the CISM Lead or a peer supporter — they can stay with you while you access help
If you’re a supervisor and an employee shows Red zone signsThis is a critical situation. Do not leave the employee alone if they are in immediate distress. Contact HR and your manager immediately. Activate CISM if a traumatic incident is involved. Follow your organization’s duty of care procedures.

You are not alone

Red zone experiences are a recognized occupational injury in high-stress, all-hazards work. Reaching out is not weakness — it is the right response to a workplace health issue. Recovery is possible with the right support.

Confidential Counselling

GreenShield EFAP

Free, confidential counselling available to all employees and immediate family. No referral needed. Available 24/7.

→ Access GreenShield EFAP Portal
Peer Support

Talk to a Peer

Trained colleagues who understand what you do. Confidential, informal, and available before you’re in crisis.

Critical Incident Support

CISM Activation

For teams or individuals following a critical incident — debriefs, defusings, and follow-up support.

Crisis Line

988 Lifeline

Canada’s Suicide & Crisis Helpline. Free, 24/7, confidential. Call or text 988 from anywhere in Canada.

→ Call or Text 988
🔒 This tool does not collect, store, or share any of your responses. It is for personal reflection only.

All services are confidential and free to employees. Tap any service to access it directly.

🚨

In immediate crisis? Tap here.

988 Crisis Lifeline — call or text · 24/7 · Free · Confidential

🔴 Immediate Response
🤝
CISM — Critical Incident Stress Management
Peer-support team · Immediate response
CrisisFree

What it is: A trained peer-support team responding after critical incidents — accidents, traumatic events, or sudden loss of a colleague.

Use it when: You or your team experienced a traumatic workplace event. Best activated within 24–72 hours.

Optimal Window
24–72 hrs post-event
Format
Group debrief or 1:1
🛡️
PFA — Psychological First Aid
Peer support · Immediate stabilization
CrisisTrainingFree

What it is: Evidence-based techniques to help someone in acute psychological distress, delivered by trained peers or supervisors.

Use it when: A colleague is visibly overwhelmed, panicking, or in shock right now.

Timing
Immediately
Format
1:1 peer support
Psychological First Aid contacts
Toyin Amos-Farinloye
Psychological First Aid
Connie Bradburn
Psychological First Aid
Amy Dunn
Psychological First Aid
Charlene Luskey
Psychological First Aid
Carole Stewart
Psychological First Aid
Audrey Wishlow
Psychological First Aid
🟡 Counselling & Short-Term Support
🏥
Contractor Clinicians
Professional counselling · In-person or virtual
Short-termOngoingFree

What it is: Registered clinicians may be available for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, operational stress, and related concerns. Clinician contact is requested through Mental Health and Wellness.

Use it when: You want professional counselling, either short-term or ongoing.

Format
In-person or virtual
Cost
Free through benefit
🌿
GreenShield EFAP — Counselling + Employee & Family Assistance
Counselling, wellness, family and life support
Short-termOngoingFree

What it is: GreenShield is SPSA’s EFAP. It provides confidential counselling, therapist access, self-guided wellness programs, and supports for family, financial, legal, nutrition, and related life concerns.

Login: User ID: kiihealth.ca · Password: PSA0624

Use it when: You want counselling, flexible digital mental health support, or help with life challenges beyond mental health.

Format
Phone, video, digital, or in-person where available
Covers
Employee + immediate family
🔵 Peer Support & Specialized Resources
🤝
Peer Support Program
Trained peer supporters · Informal early support
Peer SupportEarly SupportFree

What it is: Peer supporters are trained colleagues who can listen, provide informal support, and help you connect with the right resource. They are not clinicians and do not replace GreenShield EFAP, or emergency support.

Use it when: You are stressed, isolated, affected by a difficult work event, or want to check in with someone who understands the work but you do not need clinical counselling yet.

Best for
Early support and navigation
Not for
Immediate danger or clinical care
🎗️
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Training program · Builds peer support skills
TrainingPeer Support

What it is: A nationally recognized 2-day course teaching you to recognize mental health concerns in colleagues and offer initial support.

Use it when: You want to be a more capable supporter for your team. This is training — not treatment.

Format
2-day course
Outcome
Certified MHFA provider
Mental Health First Aid contacts
Terin M. Berkach
Mental Health First Aid
Joshua S. Caisse
Mental Health First Aid
Teresa Miller
Mental Health First Aid
Aaron Phelps
Mental Health First Aid
Carole Stewart
Mental Health First Aid
🍁
Warrior Health Canada
Operational stress · High-risk occupations
Peer SupportFree

What it is: Peer-based support for operational stress injuries, PTSD, and the weight of high-risk work — with peers who truly get it.

Use it when: The cumulative toll of a high-stress occupation is getting heavy.

Format
Peer support & workshops
Focus
Operational stress / PTSD
🛡️
PSPNet
Public Safety Personnel Network
Peer SupportResourcesFree

What it is: A national network with mental health resources, research, and clinical support built specifically for public safety personnel and their families.

Use it when: You’re a public safety worker looking for specialized resources or a network that understands your profession.

Format
Online resources & referrals
Focus
Public safety personnel

🧠 Mental Health Services

🔴 Immediate Crisis
CISMPsychological First Aid988 Crisis Line
🟢 Counselling + Life + Family
Request Clinician ContactGreenShield EFAP
🟣 Peer & Specialized
Peer Support ProgramMental Health First AidWarrior HealthPSPNet
📞 Mental Health and Wellness
Carole Stewart / Justin Pearce · Call or Text

📌 When to Use Which

After a traumatic workplace eventCISM · PFA → open PFA contacts or CISM activation
Stressed but still functioning, or want to help a coworkerPeer Support Program → listen, check in, and connect to resources
Feeling like I can’t cope right nowCall/text 988 · CISM · EFAP same-day
Ongoing stress, anxiety, burnoutClinicians · GreenShield EFAP
Financial, legal, or family problemsGreenShield EFAP — covers family
Want to support a struggling colleagueMental Health First Aid → open MHFA contacts
High-risk / operational stress weightWarrior Health · PSPNet · Clinicians
Remote or in the fieldGreenShield EFAP digital, phone, or video support

All services confidential · Free · Tap any chip above to access directly

🔒 This tool is a resource guide only. No personal information is collected, stored, or tracked through this page.

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