The man who started Tim Hortons for the Troops in 2008 has now found two new ways to support those with mental health issues.
When Albertan Dave Murphy began supporting the troops, he only intended to send a few Tim’s gift cards to Canadian soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.
“The point was to show them they were supported from home,” said Murphy. “I wanted them to know they weren’t far from the minds of Canadians, far from my mind.”
It was a way Murphy could give back after troops saved him in Ottawa. Murphy was attacked and stabbed multiple times, coming close to losing his life. The event left him with severe PTSD and depression.
After Canadians left Afghanistan, Murphy found a new purpose to move forward in life, his now 10-year-old daughter. He lost over 170 pounds and started finding ways to support troops who also had PTSD coming home.
His second book, the second of his career as an author, is meant to do that. He was looking for a way to share his PTSD journey with his daughter. Having already written one book, writing was a natural outlet for a second.
“Some of the things I would do, some of the short-trigger times, the million-mile stares, she couldn’t understand,” said Murphy. “I found writing the new book about sharing my PTSD journey helped her, and so far, hundreds of others across the world.”
The book, In the Heart of the Forest, follows a fox named Felix as he embarks on a healing journey after an attack. Since its release, readers worldwide have enjoyed it, and it has been translated into three languages.
After reading the book to a schoolhouse full of kids in Africa, educators established an “old-fashioned” penpal agreement between an Alberta school and an African one. This initiative aims to help students understand each other’s daily lives.
Jason Coulthard, a former homicide detective at the Toronto Police Service, supports the book. He believes it’s essential for children to know about these injuries.
“This story articulately simplifies the complexities of injuries sustained from traumatic events,” said Coulthard. “Addressing many injuries such as anxiety, depression, isolation, constant feeling of being unsafe, loss of trust in yourself and others, fear of asking for help only to be hurt or disappointed, fear of being alone as well as the fear of others, fear of judgment from others, judging yourself, fear of the outdoors, agoraphobia, hyper vigilance and triggers.”
The book has spurred Murphy into expanding his help for PTSD sufferers. He’s started operation You Are Not Alone, a place where people can anonymously share their PTSD journey. He also wants people to hold up a sign and take a picture showing you are not alone.
“I know how hard it can be to live through mental illness, the darkest of dark times and the joys of coming out of it,” stated Murphy. “If my book and you are not alone prevent one person from losing their battle, it’s all worth it.”
You can learn more about his book and the initiative on his website.
If you are in a mental health crisis, you can dial 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada to access immediate help. In Alberta, you can call 1-877-303-2642 to access provincial services, screening and mental health care.
Read More: Mental health education boosted in Alberta – Meridian Source
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