App helps connect veterans suffering from PTSD with other veterans for support
A groundbreaking mental health app has been recently launched to provide support for Canadian military veterans who are grappling with mental health issues, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder. The app, known as The Burns Way, offers veterans the opportunity to engage in anonymous conversations with fellow veterans who can truly understand their struggles.
Victor Sanderson, a veteran and brother-in-law of the app’s namesake, emphasized the importance of having a platform where veterans can freely express their thoughts and emotions. He highlighted the significance of being able to vent and release pent-up emotions to prevent them from spiraling out of control. Sanderson explained that the app is designed to connect veterans with peer support individuals who can relate to their experiences and help them navigate through challenging moments.
The Burns Way app enables veterans to connect with anonymous peer support persons around the clock, without the need for email or login credentials. This platform aims to be inclusive, with a specific focus on supporting First Nations and LGBTQ+ veterans. The app is named after Earl Burns Sr., a heroic Canadian Armed Forces veteran who tragically lost his life while protecting his family during a mass stabbing incident at James Smith Cree Nation in 2022.
Sanderson shared that Burns was a significant influence in his decision to join the armed forces, as he believed it would instill personal discipline and broaden his horizons beyond the confines of their community. The project has been in development for the past eight years, with a recent national volunteer recruitment drive initiated ahead of the app’s official launch.
Volunteers undergo a comprehensive two-day training program conducted by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, with trainers who are veterans themselves. The Burns Way program is administered by a Canadian nonprofit organization of the same name, in collaboration with Tricycle Data Systems, the company behind the Talking Stick app. This innovative platform allows First Nations individuals in Saskatchewan to connect with peers for mental health support.
Sanderson expressed his hope that The Burns Way app will make a positive impact on veterans’ lives, helping them cope with the challenges stemming from their military service and ultimately keeping families together. With over 461,000 veterans in Canada, a significant portion is expected to experience mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety. The Burns Way app aims to provide a vital support system for veterans in need, offering a lifeline during difficult times.
