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It’s Mental Health Week in Canada, from 3 to 9 May, 2021. This week provides a chance for all of us to #GetReal about our how we are coping in this time of uncertainty and stress.

We can #GetReal about:

  • How we are really feeling, and challenging the beliefs that may stop us from asking for support and care from those around us,
  • How PTSD doesn’t just go away if we ignore it or push it down. The fact that PTSD doesn’t just impact the Veteran alone. But, PTSD affects families too. Partners, children, parents, and siblings  all feel the impacts of PTSD.
  • Accepting that some days are ok and others are not so great. Understanding what is motivating our feelings – the good ones and the harder ones –  is an important step in mental health,
  • The fact that we are not alone. While some of us have greater struggles, we all need to tend actively to our mental well-being,
  • Opening ourselves up to listen and respond to someone who might be struggling – creating a safe non-judgemental place for disclosure.
  • Self-care. It isn’t selfish to take time out to care for ourselves, particularly when we are all working so hard to juggle so many pivots and demands in the Covid-19 era.

Join us for a live webinar with Veterans Affairs Canada

In collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada, the Centre of Excellence on PTSD will present a virtual panel discussion. Hear from members of the Veteran and Family communities, as well as from mental health practitioners about how we can support friends and family with their mental health.

Event Date/Time: Wednesday, May 5, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m ET

Panellists:

  • Brian McKenna, Strategic Advisor, Veterans, CoE – PTSD
  • Laryssa Lamrock, Strategic Advisor, Veteran Families, CoE – PTSD
  • Dr. Don Richardson, Scientific Director, MacDonald/Franklin OSI Research Centre
  • Dr. Vivien Lee, Chief Psychologist,Ontario Provincial Police

Join us in the conversation: https://bit.ly/2RQW8pz

Resources that can help!

The Centre of Excellence on PTSD is creating mental wellness supports and services for Veterans and Veteran Families, these include:

  • A new mental health framework on how to best support Veterans and their families.
  • A practical resource and a webinar which provide an introduction to Moral Injury and share how to recognize and support Veterans who may be living with it.
  • COVID-19 information and resources for Veterans and their families, public safety personnel and first responders.
  • Latest updates on PTSD and some options for therapy.

Together we’ll #GetReal.

Child and youth mental health are important too!

We are excited to celebrate National Child and Youth Mental Health Day on 7 May. All children and youth deserve to have access to diverse mental health services and supports within their communities whenever they need them. Watch for our new children and youth webpage, coming this summer!

The CoE celebrates Mental Health Week

Staff at the CoE share some messages about why it matters so much to us to ensure that Veterans and their Families have access to effective, relevant, and meaningful supports and services. We #GetReal about our work because we care for and honour the Veterans and Families who have given so much of themselves for our country. ​

Through their service, sacrifices and strength, Veterans and their families have always played a key role in supporting Canadians.

Now, it’s time for us all to be there for Veterans and Veteran Family Members.

Did you know?

  • About 1/5 of Canadian Veterans experience a diagnosed mental health disorder at some time during their lives1.
  • Up to 10% of Veterans in Canada will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may experience at least some of the associated symptoms2.
  • Nearly 1 in 5 Canadian Forces spouses surveyed in 2008/2009 reported being diagnosed with depression at some point during their partner’s military career3

This is why we believe it’s important to talk about and support Veteran mental health.

This Thursday, Jan. 28, is Bell Let’s Talk Day. As conversations about mental health take place all day long across the country, we invite you to be there in support of our country’s protectors and first responders. Be there for:

  • Yourself: For Veterans and Veteran Family Members, it’s vital to practise self-care and take care of your own mental health as you support others.
  • Each other: The foundation of military and Veteran culture is built on helping others, and that extends to family members and service providers. As a community, we need to surround all of these individuals with supports and services.
  • Your people: We call on our leaders to ensure adequate supports are available for all Veterans, first responders, and their families, at a systematic and individual level.

Bell Let's Talk logoDon’t forget: Participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day by talking, texting, tweeting and engaging on social media and help raise funds for mental health and wellness programs in support of Canadian Armed Forces active members, Veterans, and their families.

Learn how you can take part

Need support?

You are not alone. Support is available if you need it. If you are in crisis, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. Talk to your doctor or health care provider, or contact a Veteran mental health specialist at 1-800-268-7708. For more information on crisis services, financial assistance, PTSD, COVID-19 and moral injury, visit https://atlasveterans.ca/

Sources:

  1. Veterans Affairs Canada. Understanding mental health.
  2. Veterans Affairs Canada. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and war-related stress.
  3. Sudom, K. Quality of Life among Military Families: Results from the 2008/2009 Survey of Canadian Forces Spouses.

Happy holidays and warm wishes from the Centre of Excellence on PTSD.

A message of peace, healing, and hope to Veterans and Veteran Families living with PTSD has been created as a gentle reminder that there are many in the Veteran community who need extra care and love this holiday season.

’Tis the season to support Veterans and Veteran Families. With the holidays fast approaching, we are reminded that this time of year can pose its own unique challenges for those living with PTSD.

Carefree and happy celebrations with family are not a reality for everyone. For some, the holidays can feel lonely and hopeless. This is particularly true this year, when we are celebrating the holiday season during a global pandemic.

In recognition of how much Canadian Veterans and their families have given to our country, the Centre of Excellence on PTSD has produced a public service announcement.

We understand the pain, we see the strength, we share hope for the future.

Watch the video:

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