Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can happen after someone experiences, sees or hears about a traumatic event. It can be caused by a single trauma or by many traumatic events and is diagnosed by a licensed medical professional based on specific signs, symptoms and behaviours.

Everyone reacts to trauma differently — even when faced with the same event. There is no shame in a PTSD diagnosis. The symptoms you might be experiencing are a natural human response to overwhelming stress or trauma. For members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the demands and dangers of their roles often increase the risk of experiencing traumatic events that can lead to PTSD. This not only affects the individual, but can deeply impact their Families as well.

Learning more about PTSD and its symptoms can be an important first step in navigating its impacts. Explore these resources offering information and strategies to help manage the effects of PTSD on your life and the lives of those you care about:

• PTSD and some treatment options: Overview of PTSD, including causes, symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and information on therapies and treatments.
• Parenting with PTSI resources: Two practical guides co-created with Veteran Family members to help parents talk about PTSI with their children.
• Public safety personnel and posttraumatic stress injuries: Educational resources and videos providing coping tips and strategies for people living with PTSI, including information on peer support and the impacts on Families.
• MindKit: A mental health education hub for young Family members of Canadian Veterans living with a PTSI, including hands-on tools, comics, videos and more.
• Resources for Families and friends: Overview of the effects of PTSD on the Family, including coping strategies and resources.
• Resources for children and youth: Information and resources for children with a Family member experiencing PTSD and coping tips for children dealing with secondary trauma stress.

Related information

• Neurofeedback: A promising new treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: Fact sheet about how neurofeedback works to heal parts of the brain impacted by trauma
• Mind Beyond the Mission: Episode 10 – Posttraumatic growth — with RCMP Veteran Jason Anderson: Listen to our conversation about how traumatic experiences can sometimes spark posttraumatic growth that can foster openness, strength and compassion.
• A guide to moral injury for Veterans and Families: Understand what moral injury is, how it is different from PTSD, and next steps
• National Collaborative on PTSD and Related Mental Health Conditions: Convened by Atlas and the Canadian Institute on Public Safety Research and Treatment, the National Collaborative on PTSD aims to facilitate the sharing of knowledge about PTSD between organizations that serve the military, Veteran and PSP communities and their Families.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is injured after a sudden impact, jolt, bump or blow to the head or body. This can include concussions and injuries from repeated impacts. During their service, members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) may face situations that put them at higher risk for TBIs.

TBIs can be particularly challenging to diagnose, as symptoms are not always obvious and can often be mistaken for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Brain injuries can have a significant effect not only on Veterans, but also on their Families. This is why it’s essential for everyone to have access to clear, reliable information, so they can recognize the signs, seek help and advocate confidently for their well-being.

This Brain Injury Awareness Month, we invite you to check out some of our resources on TBI, with information and practical advice on how Veterans, their Families and health care providers can effectively manage and support recovery.

Related information

• Traumatic brain injury — with Dr. Lyn Turkstra: With more than 30 years of experience, Lyn lends her expertise and talks about the symptoms to look for, how these symptoms can overlap with those of PTSD, how TBIs can impact women differently and the gaps in what we know about TBIs.
• Traumatic brain injury — with Veteran and former CFL player Ryan Carey: Listen to Ryan’s unique experience of living with a TBI, how his symptoms were mistaken for PTSD, and practical advice for Veterans living with a TBI.

• Brain Injury Canada: Explore a resource hub for those with brain injuries, Family members and health care professionals.
• Concussion Legacy Foundation: Resources for Veterans and Families affected by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and concussions.
• Additional resources: A list of TBI resources for Veterans and Veteran Families including support services and information for health care providers

Each year, National Police Week encourages communities across Canada to recognize the vital role of police officers in keeping us safe. This year’s theme, “Committed to serve together,” emphasizes the shared mission of all first responders to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.

At the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, we want to extend our gratitude to members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Military Police, both serving and Veteran, as well as their Families who have stood beside them throughout their careers. Your commitment to service is deeply appreciated.

We honour this service by listening to your lived experiences and sharing your stories, helping the community to understand the sacrifices involved in the work of a police officer.

Stories from police Veterans and their Families

We serve: A video series created in recognition of the RCMP’s 150^th anniversary to honour and recognize the many roles retired RCMP members and their Families play.

Digital stories: Stories heal. Hearing the experiences of others can provide a spark of hope for those on their own journey. In this series of digital stories, Daphne, Jim W., Ross and Tanis share their personal experiences as retired RCMP members and Family members.

Resources for police Veterans and their Families

Moral injury: Learn more about moral injury, what can cause it, how it may impact people who work in public safety including retired RCMP members and their Families, and find tools and strategies for coping with moral injury.

Peer support: Learn about peer support, find peer support services in your area and explore resources on how peer support can play a role in recovery and healing.

Posttraumatic stress disorder: Explore potential causes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including incidents during service in uniform, and learn about symptoms and available treatments.

Suicide prevention: Research suggests that suicide disproportionately affects retired RCMP members and Canadian Armed Forces Veterans. Explore informational resources for both Veterans and Veteran Family members, including two toolkits for suicide prevention and a conversation guide, quick facts and statistics about suicide and a short list of additional resources.

Traumatic brain injury: During their service, RCMP members may be exposed to events that can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI), including blows to the head during an arrest, assault or falls. Explore information about TBI for Veterans and Families, including potential causes, quick facts about brain injuries and resources.

In the Veteran and Family community it is common to hear expressions like, “I wish I had known,” or “I felt so alone.” Many Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans carry pain silently, putting up shields against the potential judgment of others. Veteran Family members often do the same in order to protect themselves and their loved ones. This year’s Mental Health Week theme is “Unmasking mental health,” encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health challenges across Canada. Living behind this “mask” of appearing okay often makes things more difficult.

At the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, we are committed to “unmasking mental health” by listening and responding to the lived experiences of Veterans and Veteran Family members. Our goal is for the community to move from isolation to feeling validated, heard and supported instead. We encourage the Veteran and Family community to embrace this year’s theme. Your vulnerability in sharing with one another could be the key to helping a loved one or a friend and the first step towards healing yourself.

We invite you to check out some of the resources we’ve co-created with CAF and RCMP Veterans, Families and the mental health professionals who support them. In these resources, you will discover that you are not alone in the challenges you may face. You have a community of support standing strong beside you.

Mental health resources for Veterans and Families

Moral injury: Moral injury is a specific type of psychological injury caused by the impact of events or acts that a person performs, witnesses or fails to prevent, which conflict with their own deeply held moral beliefs and values. Moral injury can affect both Veterans and their Families. This page explains moral injury, what can cause it, how it may impact you and tools and strategies for coping with moral injury.

Posttraumatic stress disorder: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect both your mental and your physical health as a result of being exposed in some way to death or potential death, serious physical injury or sexual assault, directed at you or at someone else. It is diagnosed based on specific signs, symptoms and behaviours. This page explores potential causes, symptoms and potential treatments.

Parenting with posttraumatic stress injury: These resources were co-created with Veterans and Family members living with posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) to help navigate conversations with your child about what you may be experiencing.

MindKit: MindKit was created for and by young Family members of Canadian Veterans living with a PTSI to help explain PTSI, provide tips and strategies to help navigate challenging situations and share personal stories from other youth.

Suicide prevention: Find resources to help Veterans and Veteran Family members care for loved ones who may be thinking about suicide — and for themselves, including two toolkits for suicide prevention and conversation guide.

Traumatic brain injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain is injured after a sudden impact, jolt, bump or blow to the head or body, including concussions and repeated impacts. This page offers information about TBI for Veterans and Families, including potential causes of TBI, quick facts about brain injuries and resources.

April is Month of the Military Child, a time dedicated to recognizing the unique role that children, both young and grown, play as they stand alongside their parents in service. Though they didn’t choose this life, military children often turn the ups and downs into opportunities to develop lifelong resilience through community-building, compassion for one another and a commitment to serving others.

The dandelion is the official flower of the military child as both have the remarkable ability to flourish wherever they are planted. Just like the dandelion, military children are able to take root wherever they go, finding strength even in situations where they may be separated from their Family or friends. Their resilience is truly inspiring, even when they may not fully understand the importance of the role their Family plays in protecting the safety of our country.

It is important to recognize the challenges military children face and to show appreciation to them for their strength. The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families extends a heartfelt thank you to each and every military child for their service, resiliency and courage. We hope you know that you are truly valued and appreciated.

We encourage the Veteran and Family community to show support to our military children by participating in a local #TealUp event hosted by Military Family Resource Centres across Canada. Wear teal to honour these special young people. You can also encourage your own military children by teaching them how to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Take time to listen to the stories of military children and explore resources that can help your military child thrive.

Stories from military children

Hearing the stories of others can offer hope by reminding you that you aren’t alone in your experiences. Check out these stories shared by young Family members of Veterans from across Canada, as they talk about what it’s like to live with a posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) in the Family and share ways you can build resilience by prioritizing your own mental health.

As you listen to each story, we encourage you to reflect on your own experience as a military child. You can even do this together as a Family.

Stories for military children

Canadian adaptations of children’s e-books for military, Veteran and public safety personnel Families: A series of four free online storybooks to help children from military and Veteran Families build resiliency.

It’s Not ’Cuz of Me: This book gives voice to the experiences, emotions and worries of children who have a parent with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can help give children a sense of understanding and empowerment that their parent’s PTSD is not because of them.

Joey’s Mom is Going Away: This story explores the experiences of military Families during deployment and offers a helpful guide for parents and caregivers to support children with separation, communication and connection.

The MindKit Chronicles: This webcomic follows Thomas’s journey as he finds out more about mental health and learns how to deal with his parent’s PTSI.

My Mom is a Soldier: Aimed at CAF parents and educators of children who are four to eight years old, this story offers a relatable and insightful guide on supporting children through the ups and downs of military life.

We Have Superpowers: Read aloud by its author in this video, We Have Superpowers celebrates the strengths and contributions of children of Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans.

Building military children’s mental health toolbox with MindKit

MindKit is a mental health hub created for and by young Family members of Canadian Veterans living with a PTSI. It provides a variety of resources that can be used to help build resiliency by prioritizing mental health.

MindKit journal: Youth can use the MoodTracker pages and emoji meter to track feelings and emotions, write about challenges and brainstorm ways to cope using their own strategies like listing positive quotes or music they can listen to during tough times.

Downloadable resources: Browse and download various resources on youth mental health and how a Family member’s PTSI might affect thoughts, feelings and actions, including a list of additional supports available to young Veteran Family members.

Resources for parents and caregivers

Atlas Institute’s Parenting with PTSI resources: Two practical guides co-created with Veteran Family members to help parents talk about posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) with their children.

Camp Maple Leaf: A summer camp designed for children from first responder, military and Veteran Families so that they can connect with one another in a supportive environment as they navigate the unique experience of being in a military Family.

Strongest Families Institute: The Strongest Families Institute (SFI) provides support with transitions such as deployments, postings, training courses and reintegration. SFI’s programs help Families with children aged 3 to 17 learn coping strategies to deal with change. Services are free and available at convenient times and run by staff who are trained in military cultural competencies.

Wounded Warriors Canada — Warrior Kids: This program aims to help children and youth with parents who are Veterans or first responders living with an operational stress injury (OSI) build positive relationships with peers, gain knowledge and develop new coping skills that will help them grow and thrive.

Additional information for Families and friends: The Atlas Institute’s dedicated webpage offers resources, information and tools for the Families and friends of CAF and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans living with PTSI. It aims to empower and assist Families and friends in better understanding and supporting their loved ones during challenging times.

Resources for service providers

Guide to working with military kids: This guide from Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services and Kids Help Phone offers insights on working with and supporting military children.

International Women’s Day has been celebrated annually on March 8 for more than 100 years. On this day, people around the world honour women’s achievements and raise awareness about inclusivity. Today, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families recognizes all women, particularly those serving in or retired from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), as well as the women in Families who stand beside those who have served. Through your service, you’ve made sacrifices and overcome barriers, paving the way for future generations of women. We invite you to learn more about the service and sacrifices of women in Canada.

From dreams to reality: Reflections from one of the first women in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

In the latest Perspectives blog post, former serving RCMP member Debbie McLean opens up about the personal and professional sacrifices she made through her career and the lasting mental impact they’ve had on her. Through her faith, the support of her Family and the Veteran community, she has overcome the challenges she faced as a result of her service.

#AccelerateAction

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” calls for gender equality and systems to advance women globally. In line with this, we celebrate the announcement of the inaugural Women Veterans Council by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, whose members will bring their lived experiences and expertise together to advance equity in health, research, access, practice and policy in support of all servicewomen, both currently serving and retired. Atlas Board Co-Chair Colonel (Ret’d) Telah Morrison, Athena Project working group advisory member Corporal (Ret’d) Sarah Lefurgey (RCMP) and Captain (Ret’d) Hélène Le Scelleur (CAF), who advises on Atlas projects including the Veteran Family Summit, are among those selected for the council. Congratulations to these incredible women of the first Women Veterans Council!

We also take a moment to remember the many women who have lost their lives in service of Canada. Your courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Lest we forget her.

Learn about women-focused initiatives at Atlas

Women Veterans’ health: Research is only just beginning to explore the impacts of women’s experiences in the CAF and RCMP on their careers and lives after service. Learn more about women-focused initiatives at Atlas, including the Athena Project, a community-based initiative involving women Veterans of the CAF and RCMP that is dedicated to research and building connections in support of women Veterans’ well-being.

Women Veterans’ health survey: Learn more and participate in a study examining access to health care during time in service, access to women-specific care and mental health outcomes, as well as the situational and behavioural factors that may influence health and well-being

Women’s well-being in the transition from the military to post-service life: This survey asks women Veterans of the CAF about different aspects of their mental health and well-being during transition in order to understand how these different aspects affect their post-service life.

During the holiday season, we often hear about “joy” and the pursuit of happiness amid the festivities as they offer a time to cherish togetherness, reflect on shared memories and find comfort in the love and support of community.

However, we also know the reality is that this time of year isn’t always joyful for everyone, including Veterans and their Families. By fostering connections with loved ones and engaging in supportive community activities, it is possible to find a sense of calm and peace amidst these challenging feelings.

Exploring what joy means

Try asking yourself these questions:

• What does joy mean to you? What does it feel like for you?
• What is one simple way you can find a piece of joy this holiday season?
• How can a small act of kindness create ripples of joy for those who have served?
• How can you balance feelings of joy and anxiety?

We asked our Cadre members to share how they find joy throughout the holidays — here is what they told us:

Thank you to our Cadre members for contributing their thoughts!

Strategies to manage challenging feelings

We acknowledge that there are many reasons the holidays may be difficult for the Veteran and Family community, including separation from their loved ones, the close proximity to Remembrance Day and anniversaries of painful memories. For some, the sensation of joy may overlap with feelings of anxiety or irritability, leading to physical responses like increased heart rate and rapid breathing. While it can be tough to manage these conflicting emotions, there are strategies to help ease the pain.

While we often talk about our triggers and their impact on our mood, this holiday season we encourage you to learn about the opposite concept of “glimmer moments.” These are joyous memories or cues that help to calm and regulate our nervous system, bringing a sense of peace and happiness throughout the season.

We recognize that it can be challenging to find these glimmer moments¹ then difficult memories heighten your anxiety. Remember that it is important to prioritize your own well-being. This might mean creating some space so you can take a deep breath to help you search for your own glimmer moment — some examples might be:

• The sound of a child laughing
• The smell of your favourite food
• The feeling of quiet you have allowed yourself by stepping away from the busyness of the season

Lean into these moments and honour that glimmer of joy.

It’s important to remember that it’s okay not to feel okay. If you need support during the holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Family and friends, or explore various peer support options. You are not alone — there is a community that stands with you.

Over the next few weeks, follow us on our social media platforms for additional ideas on how to find joy this holiday season. You can also learn more by browsing the following resources.

Holiday resources for Veterans and Families

• Glimmers for mental health: Learn more about glimmers and how they differ from triggers by encouraging you to find moments of joy in your life.
• Peer support program directory: Access this online directory of peer support programs that are available to Veterans and their Families, searchable by location.
• Managing holiday stress: Ideas for making the holiday season a little happier and less stressful.
• Tips and strategies for supporting our kids during the holidays: Tips and strategies to help you help children affected by posttraumatic stress injury get the most out of the season.
• MyGrief.ca: Grief doesn’t stop for the holiday season. MyGrief.ca is a free e-learning resource to help people better understand and move through grief in different situations, including grief after trauma.

As we approach the holiday season, we want to express our gratitude to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police who are separated from their Families due to the demands of service. We sincerely appreciate the sacrifices you continue to make.

Canadians have a long and proud history of serving their country with courage and selflessness, often far from home, in various conflict zones and domestic operations. Many of these service members have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their bravery is a testament to their commitment to protecting our values and freedoms.

This year marked a significant milestone when we returned an unknown soldier to Newfoundland, a reminder of the countless lives lost abroad and the Families changed by their sacrifice. The Veterans’ Week 2024 theme, “Canadian Armed Forces around the world,” reminds us to reflect on those laid to rest across the world, their memories forever intertwined with the history of our country.

As part of Veterans’ Week, we must honour those who serve and have served. We also need to recognize our responsibility as Canadians to remember the sacrifices of those living with invisible wounds because of their service, including from the loss of their comrades. Their Families and friends will carry the memories of those who they have lost with them every day.

We will remember them.

Snapshots of their lives

Watch this year’s Veterans’ Week 2024 video to meet some of the individuals who gave their lives in service to our country.

Accessibility features: Closed captioning is available for this video. To enable this feature, select CC in the bottom-right of the video player. 

Ways to observe Veterans’ Week

• Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11: Wear a poppy, attend a ceremony and learn about the stories of Veterans who sacrificed for our freedoms.
• Watch last year’s Veterans’ Week video: Listen to the stories of Veterans and their Families, learn from their experiences and reflect on what each Veteran and their Family have given to us, as individuals and as a country.
• Remembrance Day video: Hear what Remembrance Day means to a Canadian Veteran.
• Ways to remember: Explore various ways to remember and pay tribute to those who serve and have served, beyond participating in Remembrance Day ceremonies.
• Canadian military history: Learn about our role in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions throughout history. Browse educational resources, view online exhibits or visit one of Canada’s military museums.
• Indigenous Veterans Day: On November 8, join in honouring and giving thanks for the service and legacy of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Veterans by participating in a local ceremony.

Helpful information for Veterans and Veteran Families

Veterans’ Week is the start of a season that can be challenging for some Veterans and Veteran Family members. Here are some resources that are available for Veterans and Families:

• Directory of services: List of resources and supports for military members, Veterans, and their Families, including links to crisis services, counselling and therapy, educational tools and peer support.
• Managing holiday stress: This downloadable PDF shares some tips to help Veterans and Veteran Family members manage the stress of the holiday season.

Every year on September 30, we honour, learn and reflect on the experiences of the survivors of the residential school system as well as the missing and murdered children associated with these schools. On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we commit our support to the healing journeys of those impacted and their Families and communities, and actively engage in the process of reconciliation.

Today and every day, we want to commemorate and learn from the of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans who stepped forward to defend rights and freedoms that they did not experience equally upon their return to civilian life — many of whom were residential school children.

We encourage you to join us in learning more about the legacies of colonialism and residential schooling, and how these shaped the experiences of Indigenous Veterans during and after their service in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and other conflicts.

Learn more:

• Remembering Indigenous soldiers: Learn about the Indigenous children who found respite from the residential school system through the Cadets program.
• Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s military: Learn about the impacts of war and service for Indigenous communities, particularly for those in residential schools.
• Indigenous Veterans: Learn about the histories of Indigenous service.
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans and their Families: Learn more about the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans and Veteran Families.
• Aboriginal Peoples and the Canadian military: Historical perspectives (chapter 6): Learn about the experiences of Indigenous women in the military and how residential schools affected their service.

Each year, on the last Sunday in September, we honour the fallen on Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day. This day offers the opportunity to show our gratitude to those who lost their lives to keep our communities safe. We recognize their courage, integrity and service to the lives of Canadians.

We express our deepest gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We recognize the profound impact their service has made on so many Canadians. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

As we reflect on these sacrifices, our thoughts are with the Families, friends and colleagues of these fallen members.

As part of our commitment to Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans and their Families, we want to ensure that you are supported, especially on this difficult day. We invite you to browse the following resources:

• Peer support: Learn how shared experiences can create a sense of understanding and connection between people and browse our peer support program directory.
• MyGrief.ca: A website designed by Canadian Virtual Hospice featuring various modules to help you to understand and move through your grief, at your own pace.
• KidsGrief.ca: A free online resource to help parents talk to their kids about death.