6 Friday, April 23, 2021brooklintowncrier.com TRAC: Supporting Mental Health By Richard Bercuson Many first responders have experienced the darkness of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Like Brooklin resident Keith Harrison, they know all too well about what he calls "the lowest of lows." But Harrison, a Toronto police officer for 18 years, has opted to help his recovery and that of others by actively working at eradicating the stigma around mental health. He's doing it by selling apparel through his new venture, Tier Response Apparel Company or TRAC. TRAC sells tee shirts, hoodies, toques and the like through his Facebook site. While this is not the only such company, the venture is less than two months old and is already attracting widespread attention. "I know there are other clothing lines out there and that's fantastic," he says. "We're going to engage with them and support their causes. We're going to help people find out about clinical support, group support or being a part of a community group to get direction." Special help His own diagnosis in 2018 led to obtaining help from the Wounded Warriors. "Getting access to their programs both for myself and my family was huge," Harrison recalls. "Also, having a really good psychologist allowed me to acquire tools. You can't have a redo in life. "A lot of stories I heard through groups showed there is a common denominator in that there wasn't a fluid process of somebody wanting help. There were always roadblocks and challenges. There are a lot of stigmas for guys and gals reaching