When a traumatized Mindy Piva needed help, yoga was there.
Piva was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2008, after she and fellow paramedics responded to a horrific crash in Muskoka.
“It was a tragic accident where there was a difficult and long extrication. Many of the patient’s friends were on scene. All of his friends were screaming and crying,” she recalled.
One of the patient’s friends called the teen’s parents and said he had been in an accident. His mother arrived at the scene, not knowing the extent of the injuries.
“She got into the back of the ambulance with him,” Piva said. “That, for me, was my career-ending call.”
The teen died of his injuries.
“It was an emotionally charged scene that my brain wasn’t able to understand,” Piva said.
Yoga made it easier.
“Once I discovered it, I realized it was a way for me to turn my fight-or-flight off,” she said. “The physical flexibility piece (of yoga) is what everyone thinks of, but it was about the breathing and meditation and mindfulness.”
Recognizing the benefits of yoga as a way to help with PTSD, Piva wanted other first responders to know about it. So, she pitched an idea to Cat O’Connor, owner of Orillia’s Nourish Yoga and Wellness Studio on Peter Street South. The two have teamed up to offer what they're calling Karma Yoga for the Helpers.
A description on the event’s Facebook page states the class is “open to all — especially our community helpers — first responders and those who love them, work with them and support them.”
It isn’t restricted to first responders, Piva explained, noting the term “helpers” can refer to people in various professions, including doctors, nurses, teachers and stay-at-home parents.
“If you want to learn how to help yourself, I can give you the tools to do that,” she said.
Piva, a yoga instructor, will lead the monthly classes, starting Jan. 31.
She knows first-hand what techniques can help first responders.
“Our bodies are used to regulating. All first responders are amazing at regulating their emotions. They can look calm, cool and collected during other people’s stressful times,” she said.
“When I got PTSD, my body wasn’t regulating my emotions. When something triggered me and I remembered the accident, my brain was telling me, ‘Run away.’ My brain will still do that, but now I know what to do.”
O’Connor didn’t hesitate to agree to host the classes, which will include a focus on “trauma-informed yoga.”
“Yoga, in general, is helpful for people dealing with trauma at any level, but there are some special things to be aware of with yoga for those who have more acute trauma (such as PTSD),” O’Connor said. “I’ve seen, directly, how impactful and positive yoga can be to help them manage symptoms of trauma, PTSD, addiction.”
Nourish Yoga and Wellness Studio always offers a 10 per cent discount to first responders, but these classes will be free — with a suggested donation to #ivegotyourback911, a campaign to raise awareness about first responders’ mental health. All donations will go to that campaign.
Classes have so far been scheduled for Jan. 31, Feb. 28, March 28 and April 25.
For more information, call Nourish Yoga and Wellness Studio at 705-790-6895 or check out the Facebook page.
While trauma and PTSD aren’t to be taken lightly, the classes will be light-hearted, Piva said.
“Inappropriate humour is expected. Flatulence is accepted. Laughter is mandatory,” she said.
