The founder of a PTSD support group in Steinbach says the response he has received is significantly greater than he expected. Ex-RCMP officer Lou Savard announced in June that he was setting up a support group for people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Savard says he was surprised by the response to our news story, in which he announced he was setting up the group.

Lou Savard"When we initially did this interview, I ended up with over 50 phone calls. In that first meeting, there were approximately 20 people so that's what I built a list from. And now I have a solid dozen people that show up and there is always someone new coming in."

Savard says he even has three people who drive out from Winnipeg to attend the meetings. He adds the participants are from all walks of life and have been diagnosed with PTSD for a variety of reasons.

"Not only First Responders but a lot of average citizens who are hurting and have been diagnosed with PTSD for whatever reasons. And that's the thing about our group, you don't have to tell us what the problem is if you are not ready to and you're not going to be forced to tell us. We discuss things like symptoms and how to we deal with symptoms."

Savard says PTSD never goes away, but with the help of groups like this, the symptoms don't have to be as severe or as frequent.

"It is a life sentence. A diagnosis of PTSD, you have that for life, there is no cure for it. But what we try to get across to people is that with early intervention and with the help of groups like this, the symptoms don't have to be as severe and they won't come as often. That's what we try to do, we try to arm you with the mental capabilities to fight the symptoms."

Savard says he is always interested in hearing from people who want to participate in the support group. He can be reached by phone at 204-392-2235.

He also notes the Steinbach Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has been a wonderful support for them, providing meeting space free of charge.

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PTSD Support Group Being Established In Steinbach