Honouring Tema: The Story of the Tema Foundation
In the heart of the Tema Foundation lies a story that reflects resilience, compassion, and the unyielding spirit of a woman whose life was tragically cut short. Tema Lisa Conter, born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, had a promising career in fashion management ahead of her when her life was brutally taken at the age of 25. Her memory lives on through the foundation created in her name, dedicated to mental health and wellness for frontline workers, first responders, and the people who support them.
Tema was a young woman filled with humour, wit, and charm. On January 27, 1988, tragedy struck when Tema fell victim to a convicted serial killer, who attacked her while she was on her way to work. Her senseless murder devastated her family and friends, leaving an irreplaceable void in their lives. But even in the darkest moments, hope began to bloom.
The two paramedics who responded to Tema's call experienced their own trauma and developed PTSD. In their journey to heal, they felt a calling to honour Tema's memory and help other first responders facing similar challenges. Thus, the seeds of the Tema Foundation were sown.
Originally focused on providing support for frontline workers with PTSD, the foundation quickly evolved to embrace a more proactive approach. The team realized the importance of building resilience from day one, not only for first responders but for all those working on the frontlines of our communities. As the organization grew, they gained a deeper understanding of the challenges they sought to address. They recognized that they could make a more significant impact by empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and knowledge to be resilient and mentally strong.
The Tema Foundation's mission expanded beyond providing immediate support to creating a lasting impact on mental health awareness and resilience. Education became their most potent tool. Their educators developed evidence-based and informed educational curriculums, targeting frontline workers and those who support them.
The goal was to create a ripple effect, a chain of knowledge that would extend beyond their reach. They aimed to equip other trainer groups, organizations, and establishments with the necessary resources to understand mental health and foster resilience within their communities.
The ultimate aspiration of the Tema Foundation is to be a quiet partner, working behind the scenes to empower others. They envision a world where mental health awareness and resilience training become integral parts of frontline workers' preparation. By arming them with the tools to navigate the challenges they face, the foundation seeks to create a safer and more compassionate environment for those who keep us healthy and safe.
Tema's story is one of triumph over tragedy. While her life was cut short, her legacy lives on through the Tema Foundation. With compassion, determination, and a vision for a better future, the foundation stands as a beacon of hope for frontline workers and first responders, providing them with the tools to overcome mental health challenges and build resilience from within. Tema's light continues to shine, guiding those who dedicate their lives to the service of others, toward a brighter and mentally healthier future.
An Update from The Frontlines: August 2023
We have had a busy summer with many initiatives going on.
In May we created and rolled out a brand new 5-week online course through Humber College Journalism Program. The program was called Prioritizing and Sustaining Mental Wellness in Journalism. Tema is very happy to be supporting these frontline workers whose mental health have been missed and forgotten for many years.
Also in May, we held our first Train-the-Trainer program for Peer Support. We trained 10 Nova Scotia Government staff to become trainers for peer support. These amazing individuals will continue to build peer support programs across the many government services in Nova Scotia. The Tema Foundation has built four peer support programs for the Nova Scotia Government to date and will be closely supporting this team as they continue to do this work.
In June we did more peer support training, with the help from our new trainers, for the Nova Scotia Victim Services, Maintenance Enforcement, Corrections, and the ACWPS (African Canadian Women in the Public Service).
June became a busy month as we supported many frontline workers fighting the wildfires in Tantallon and Shelburne. A great big thank you to Emera for the support to help us with this initiative.
In June the Tema Foundation also became a partner with the Families Matters Research Group through Queen's University. We are excited to be a part of this very important initiative as we too feel that families of Military, Veteran, and Public Safety Personnel matter. For more information on this initiative go to www.fmrg.ca
Throughout the summer we have also worked tirelessly, as subject matter experts, on the new Managers Mental Health curriculum (full day workshop) that will be available through St. John Ambulance across Canada this fall. We are pleased with the outcome and certainly hope organizations across Canada will benefit from this much needed support.
In August we had the privilege of providing some support, and of course putting in a golf team to the first annual Ontario Provincial Police Const. Greg Pierzchala Golf Tournament fundraiser. $21,000 was raised and donated to ProAction Cops & Kids.
We are excited for the fall as we launch several new programs and initiatives, and of course continue to build peer support teams across the country. Please take the time to check out our website so you can look at the many courses, and opportunities available for those working the frontlines and their loved ones. We can’t wait to share more in the fall.
Welcome to the Board: Dr. Lisa Couperthwaite, Ph.D., C.Phych.
The Tema Foundation is pleased to welcome Dr. Lisa Couperthwaite, Ph.D., C.Phych., as our newest board member!
You may recognize Dr. Couperthwaite from Education Day 2023 where she presented on Self-care Wellness and Action Plans (SWAP) and navigating Occupational Stress Injury (OSI) claims with a Worker’s Compensation Board.
Dr. Lisa Couperthwaite is a Clinical Psychologist registered in the province of Ontario with expertise in clinical care, disability management, and systems improvement in relation to mental health. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She gained her initial years of experience as a Psychologist working at the Psychological Trauma Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), primarily with first responders.
She later spent several years in a leadership role at one of the largest worker’s compensation boards in North America providing subject matter expertise, education, and consultation. She has special interests in prevention of mental health injuries, psychotherapy effectiveness, and forging creative opportunities to optimize posttraumatic growth through adversity.
Dr. Couperthwaite currently works in private practice as a consultant, educator, subject matter expert to organizations. She also works with patients as a clinician, assessing, diagnosing, and treating primarily complex trauma. She works with frontline workers, first responders and other public safety personnel who have experienced workplace stressors and traumas, as well as survivors of childhood abuse, physical and sexual assaults.
Dr. Couperthwaite is an enthusiastic information sharer and collaborator who is deeply committed to the mission and values of the Tema Foundation to deliver impactful education to individuals and organizations on the frontlines of civilian and military life.
Welcome Dr. Couperthwaite!
Getting Help for first responders with PTSD: Helping Our Heroes
If you currently are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 now for help or find a crisis line in your country here
As the smell of smoke dissipates and the orange glow on the horizon fades, we begin to reflect on the recent wildfires that ravaged Nova Scotia. These intense wildfires left a visible trail of devastation in their wake, but the less noticeable aftermath is often carried by those who were on the frontlines battling the flames - our brave first responders
As we think about rebuilding and recovery, there's another critical aspect that we must address - the psychological impact of these traumatic events on first responders, more specifically, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This also comes at a time when awareness is rising - June 27th is PTSD Awareness day. With each passing tragedy, PTSD casts a wider net, inevitably touching each one of our lives in some way or another. TEMA Foundation is working hard to help those who are affected by providing education and awareness around the growing trend.
Percentage of First Responders with PTSD
Whether you know a first responder or not, it's no secret that they are constantly exposed to traumatic situations. As first responders, the unfortunate nature of the job is that they are expected to manage that reality so that they can help those in need in those situations.
By momentarily neglecting their own mental health when duty calls, they are selfless despite the damage they may potentially be doing to themselves.
This continual exposure to trauma increases the likelihood of a first responder developing PTSD, a disorder that can severely impact their quality of life and overall wellbeing. In a 2017 survey of Canadian public safety personnel (correctional workers, dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers), over 23% of respondents screened positive for PTSD. By contrast, statistics released in 2022 show about 8% of adults in Canada meet the criteria for probable post-traumatic stress disorder. These numbers emphasize the urgent need for awareness, support, and appropriate interventions.
First Responder PTSD Symptoms
The symptoms of PTSD can affect everyone differently but some common ways that PTSD can manifest itself in first responders are:
Flashbacks to the traumatic event
Nightmares of the traumatic event
Avoidance of situations that remind them of the event
Hyperarousal such as being easily startled
Feeling on edge
Insomnia
Chronic physical pain
Negative thoughts or changes in mood
Feelings of isolation
Guilt, depressions and anxiety
Recognizing these symptoms early on is crucial for seeking timely help. For many cases of PTSD, since the first responder is the care-taker they feel like they need to be there for the public and can often push aside some of their own issues. Neglecting these feelings unfortunately only leads to a declining state of mind.
Some symptoms are strictly mental, while other times symptoms can arise that are physical in nature. This is commonly forgotten about since most people view PTSD as a mental affliction only.
How First Responders Deal with PTSD
Dealing with PTSD is not a straightforward process. First responders often resort to different coping mechanisms. Some might utilize the support of their comrades, families, and peer support groups, while others might engage in physical activities like exercise to relieve stress. However, a concerning number of first responders also turn to harmful coping strategies, like alcohol or substance abuse, as a way to numb their symptoms, which can compound their issues and lead to further complications.
PTSD Treatment and Programs for First Responders
Dealing with the struggles of PTSD can be challenging in many circumstances. One of the most important things is to make sure you have a support system you can lean on when things get challenging. Because not everyone has access to a reliable support system at home, you can utilize resources like the ones we’ve created at Tema to both protect your mental health and learn coping strategies.
There are usually two primary avenues for dealing with PTSD as a first responder. We’ll briefly talk about them from a high level.
As always, if you’re reading this as someone going through these struggles, just know you aren’t alone and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Treatment
There are effective treatments available for PTSD. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly used, which helps patients understand and change thought patterns that lead to harmful behaviours and emotions. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is another technique used to help individuals process traumatic memories. In some cases, medication can also be utilized to manage the symptoms of PTSD. However, the most important step is the acknowledgment of the disorder and the willingness to seek help.
These treatments should be carried out by the appropriate licensed healthcare practitioner who has skills in dealing with scenarios like this. Taking treatment into your own hands can sometimes lead to unwanted outcomes. It’s important to deal with a licensed practitioner for any medical treatment.
Programs
The Tema Foundation’s trauma programs are developed to help individuals understand and navigate the effects of trauma and PTSD for themselves and the important people in their lives. By addressing trauma through education, we empower individuals to better understand their experiences, build resilience, and embark on a path of healing and recovery.
Tema’s annual Education Day is another opportunity to access helpful information while also connecting with peers. Education Day is a full day of education, networking, and skill-building that focuses on making mental health healthier. It’s for anyone wanting to improve and protect their mental health and reduce the effects of work-related stress.
Helping Our Heroes
If you’re someone who's been affected by PTSD in Atlantic Canada, we want to help. We’re on a mission to help those who were affected by the NS Wildfires by offering education to frontline workers, first responders and their families in the communities impacted. You can donate to help support Helping Our Heroes or find out more about the campaign.
Raising Awareness and bringing hope to those dealing with PTSD
PTSD among first responders is a significant issue that demands everyone's attention and empathy. By recognizing the problem, spreading awareness, and ensuring access to necessary resources, we can help these brave men and women continue their invaluable work while ensuring they receive the care and understanding they deserve as they navigate the path to healing.
If you currently are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 now for help or find a crisis line in your country here
Helping Our Heroes: Supporting those on the front lines of the Nova Scotia Wildfire response
When a team of Tema Educators arrived in their Dartmouth hotel on the evening of May 28th, they had no idea what their routine trip to train peer support teams here in Nova Scotia was about to become. On Sunday as they arrived in preparation for a week of teaching, they witnessed over 60 families enter the same hotel with nothing but the clothes on their backs, their children, and pets. As the Tantallon wildfire continued to grow, stories of similar scenes across the city began to unfold.
Their immediate response was to help those people they met. The next day, Tema organized the delivery of 50 pizzas to the hotel, with support from generous volunteers, local businesses, and the hotel staff. In the midst of so much uncertainty, displaced families gathered in the lobby, taking a brief respite from the unfolding situation. Families came together, shared their heartbreaking stories, and find solace in the company of others facing similar struggles. It was a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit during such a challenging time. It was a simple gesture but had a big impact for everyone at the hotel that evening, and it was just the beginning of bigger plans to provide support to those impacted by the wildfires not only in Tantallon, but Shelburne as well.
As an organization, Tema’s mission is to improve and protect the mental health of the people who keep us healthy and safe. Recognizing the long-term mental health impacts the wildfires would cause, plans were immediately initiated to provide support to those contributing to the Nova Scotia wildfire response and the important people in their lives. Long-time Tema supporter Emera reached out with an offer of support, and a three-tier plan to provide immediate assistance was quickly developed. This plan included providing gift cards for food and entertainment, as well as offering free crisis counselling services. Eight dedicated counsellors were enlisted to be on call, ready to support those working tirelessly on the frontlines, as well as their families.
After further discussions with Emera, the Helping or Heroes campaign was launched with Emera as a founding partner. In addition to the immediate support being provided, funds raised through the Helping or Heroes campaign will support mental health education events delivered in the communities impacted to frontline workers and first responders involved in the Nova Scotia wildlife response and their families.
By the end of that first week, over 50 requests for support were received. The requests primarily centred around gift cards for essentials like food, clothing, and gas. Additionally, the foundation provided crisis counselling to individuals struggling with stress and anxiety - including young children - ensuring they received the necessary coping strategies. In some cases, requests came in on behalf of others - Fire Captains requested support for their crews, calls came from friends of first responders. These referrals helped ensure Tema’s support would reach those it was meant to serve but also highlighted a common trend among first responders and frontline workers - a reluctance to ask for help. But as more individuals became aware of the support being offered and with the encouragement of those around them that it’s okay to ask for help, requests began to pick up. By the end of the second week, over 100 first responders and frontline workers had reached out to the Tema Foundation for assistance, with the ripple effect of this support extended to over 400 people, including spouses and children.
Tofunmi and Tife Arowolo, children of Emera employee Jumoke Arowolo who were displaced by the wildfires, deliver gift cards to Station 9 Firefighters
Amidst the challenges and heartbreak, stories of resilience have emerged. From firefighters battling the flames while their own homes were at risk to RCMP officers risking their lives to communicate with evacuees, these stories highlight the incredible dedication and sacrifice of the frontline workers. The success of the Helping the Heroes fundraising initiative is a testament to the generosity and compassion of the community. Having raised over $11,000 already, the foundation has witnessed an outpouring of support, including another long-time partner Crombie-Reit. Media outlets like SaltWire, CTV, Global Morning Show, and C 100 have all played a crucial role in spreading awareness about the campaign and encouraging further donations. The community's united efforts have made a significant difference and allowed the Tema Foundation to continue its mission.
It is now nearly 3 weeks since Nova Scotia experienced the worst wildfires in it’s history. Only as of yesterday was the Shelburne fire considered to be ‘under control’. While many families have been able to return to their homes, many are facing finding temporary places to live and a decision whether to return and rebuild or start anew somewhere else. For the people involved in the ongoing response, there is still much work to be done - not only to ensure the fires are fully extinguished, but to care for themselves after such a long and traumatic event. The Helping or Heroes fund will ensure continued support in the communities impacted far beyond the immediate aftermath of the wildfires.