A retired RCMP officer who has had about 300 stitches, numerous broken bones, two plates inserted and has been shot at and also suffers from PTSD says the most important thing to do if you suspect a stress injury is to get help.

Boyd Merrill, who was the face of the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador for several years as the media liaison, spoke to the Positive Thinkers Club at Greensleeves Uptown on the weekend. He told them that he ignored his injuries for years until one day things got out of hand and he had to get help.

Two out of three first responders incur stress injury and one out of three ends up with posttraumatic stress disorder.

He says people who suffer from PTSD make great employees, as they are always working, but do not necessarily make the best family person as they cannot relax and enjoy life.

Merrill says mental injuries will always manifest into physical injuries over time—your back hurts, your leg hurts, your eyes hurt. He says he got better once he sought help.

The Positive Thinkers Club meets on the last Saturday of each month.