Understanding Depression in Canadian Veterans: A Guide for Partners and Spouses

The mental well-being of Canadian veterans is a significant concern, especially for their families. Those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces often face unique challenges that affect their mental health, and depression is a common and serious issue. This article gives an overview of depression in Canadian veterans for partners and spouses. It looks at how common it is, the factors that increase risk, how to recognize the symptoms, diagnostic challenges and treatment options available in Alberta and Canada.

Prevalence and Risk Factors

Depression is significantly more common among veterans in Canada than in the general population. Research shows that about one-fifth of Canadian veterans will experience a diagnosed mental health disorder, with depression being one of the most frequent. A study comparing data from 2002 and 2013 showed that depression was almost twice as high in Canadian Armed Forces members compared to the general population (Article Found Here).

Several factors contribute to this increased risk:

• Combat Stress: Experiencing combat and being deployed to war zones are major contributors to depression. The intense stress, trauma, and potential danger create a lasting psychological impact.

• Transition to Civilian Life: The change from military to civilian life can be very stressful. Veterans often struggle with finding jobs, rebuilding social connections, and adapting to a less structured life. This is further explained by veteranaddiction.org.

• Substance Abuse: A Strong link exists between mental health support for veterans and substance use disorders. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with depression symptoms, leading to a cycle of co-occurring disorders. Learn more at veteranaddiction.org.

• Brain Injuries: Veterans who experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at higher risk for depression. Physical damage to the brain can disrupt normal functioning, impacting mood. This correlation is explained by Article Found Here.

• Health Issues & Medication: Certain health issues, like anemia and hypothyroidism, can increase the risk of depression. The medications used to treat them can have similar effects. More information is at Article Found Here.

• Family History: A personal or family history of depression increases the risk. Genetics and learned behaviours within families can play a part.

These risk factors often combine, creating a complex situation. For instance, a veteran with a family history of depression, who experienced combat, and struggles with returning to civilian life faces a much higher risk.

Recognizing the Signs of Depression in Veterans

Depression in veterans can show itself through common symptoms seen in the general population, and through unique signs related to their military experiences.

General Psychological Symptoms:

• Persistent Sadness and Hopelessness: Constant feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of hope are key depression symptoms. Veterans may feel despair and lose interest in things they used to enjoy.

• Anxiety and Irritability: Depression isn’t always sadness. Many veterans experience increased anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. They might get angry easily and struggle to manage it.

• Thinking Problems: Depression can affect thinking. Veterans might have trouble concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions, affecting daily life, work, and relationships.

• Thoughts of Death: Suicidal thoughts, or thinking about death or suicide, is a serious symptom needing immediate attention. Veterans with these thoughts should seek help right away.

General Physical Symptoms:

• Exhaustion: Constant tiredness and lack of energy are common. Veterans might feel tired even after enough sleep.

• Changes in Eating Habits: Depression can cause big changes in appetite. Some veterans might lose their appetite and lose weight, while others might overeat and gain weight.

• Sleep Problems: Sleep issues often come with depression. Veterans might have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or wake up too early.

• Unexplained Pain: Depression can cause physical pain without a clear medical reason, like headaches, back pain, muscle aches, and digestive issues.

Unique Signs in Veterans:

• Moral Injury: This is the mental distress from actions or experiences that go against a veteran’s moral beliefs. It often involves intense guilt, shame, and self-blame.

• Survivor’s Guilt: Veterans who survive traumatic events where others didn’t may experience this. They feel guilty and question why they survived, which can contribute to depression. psychologytoday.com offers a good explanation.

• Re-experiencing Trauma: While more common with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depressed veterans may also have intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to trauma.

About one in three veterans seeking primary care show some signs of depression, according to research.va.gov, highlighting the need for early screening and mental health support for veterans. Recognizing these general and veteran-specific symptoms is the first step to getting help.

Challenges in Diagnosing Veterans

Veterans often have several health problems at once, making it hard to identify and address PTSD in Alberta First Responders. Examples include PTSD, substance use disorders, anxiety, and serious mental illness (SMI). These co-occurring disorders are detailed in research by found here..

Doctors seeing a veteran for depression should also check for other mental health issues. Early detection helps veterans get the right treatment for veteran PTSD and recover faster. The importance is explained in an article by found here..

Here’s why it’s crucial:

• Better Treatment: Knowing all of a veteran’s mental health issues allows doctors to choose treatments that work for everything, possibly using different therapies or medications.

• Avoiding Problems: If only depression is treated, but the veteran also has PTSD, the treatment might not work well and could worsen the PTSD.

• Faster Help: Checking for multiple problems at once means veterans get needed help sooner.

Treatment Options

Many treatments are available for depression in Canadian veterans. The best plan depends on the individual. Here are some options:

• Medication: Doctors can prescribe various medicines for depression, affecting brain chemicals controlling mood. Scientists are always seeking new medicines for veterans whose depression doesn’t improve with usual treatments.

• Therapy: Talking to a therapist is very helpful. Different types include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D): Helps change negative thoughts and behaviours.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression (ACT-D): Helps accept difficult thoughts and focus on a meaningful life.
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): Helps improve relationships and deal with social issues.

• Resources for Veterans in Alberta and Canada:

  • Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Assistance Service: Provides free, private mental health support for veterans 24/7. Call 1-800-268-7708 to speak with a professional. More information: veterans.gc.ca.

  • Alberta Military Family Resource Centre: Offers many types of support to military families. Visit: alberta.ca.

  • Canadian Legion: Helps veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues. Visit: legion.ca.

Veterans should know they’re not alone and help is available. Reaching out can make a big difference.

Current Trends:

• PTSD and Depression: Studies show 14% to 16% of soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq have PTSD or depression, emphasizing the need for continued study and treatment for veteran PTSD.

• Risk Groups: Research shows some veterans are more likely to have mental health problems, including women, gay, lesbian, and bisexual veterans, and those serving after 9/11.

Military Culture’s Impact:

Military culture significantly affects veterans’ mental health. Pride in service and belonging can be positive. But feeling the need to hide parts of themselves can lead to problems. Positive identities, like loyalty, are discussed here: academic.oup.com.

Continued discussion and research are essential to find the best ways to offer resources such as mental health support for veterans experiencing depression.

If you or your partner are a veteran facing these challenges, remember that Responders First is here to help. We understand the challenges of mental health support for veterans and are dedicated to developing a wellness plan to navigate these challenges and improve your quality of life. Please reach out to us; we are ready to support you.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.