Supporting the Mental Health of Canadian Veterans: A Guide for Partners and Spouses

The mental well-being of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans is incredibly important, and it requires a caring, informed, and proactive approach. While progress has been made in reducing the stigma around mental health, many Veterans in Canada, including here in Alberta, still hesitate to seek the support they need. This article explores the reasons why, offers communication tips, lists resources, and addresses common concerns to help partners and spouses encourage Veterans to access mental health therapy. It also emphasizes how important it is to offer mental health support for veterans.

Past Experiences: How History Affects Today’s Veterans

To understand Veteran mental health today, we need to look at the past. For a long time, mental illness in military organizations, including the Canadian Armed Forces, was highly stigmatized. People often wrongly believed that mental health struggles were a sign of personal weakness, something that didn’t fit with the military’s values of strength and resilience. A soldier experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or depression might have been unfairly seen as not “tough” enough.

This past stigma still has a big impact. Even though there’s been a lot of progress in promoting mental health awareness, the fear of judgment remains. Many Veterans struggle with “self-stigma,” meaning they internalize negative beliefs and choose to suffer in silence rather than risk being judged. This internalized shame can be a major obstacle to seeking help.

Research shows that military personnel experience higher levels of mental illness-related stigma than civilians. This shows the unique pressures and culture within the military. In Alberta, these challenges are mixed with the general stigma around mental health, creating extra hurdles for Veterans. Also, the transition from military to civilian life can be very hard for Veterans in Alberta, adding another layer of complexity to their mental health.

Roadblocks: Barriers to Mental Health Care

Many factors can combine to prevent Veterans from seeking mental health therapy. These barriers include personal beliefs, military culture, and system-level issues:

• Fear of Judgment: The fear of being judged or discriminated against is a major barrier. Despite progress, the stigma around mental illness remains strong. Veterans may worry about being seen as weak or unreliable by their peers, superiors, or even family.

• Career Worries: For Veterans still serving, fear of negative career consequences is a big concern. They may worry that seeking help could lead to limited duties, missed promotions, or even discharge. This fear often comes from a lack of clarity about how mental health is viewed within the military.

• “Tough It Out” Attitude: Military culture emphasizes self-reliance and the ability to endure hardship without complaining. Admitting to vulnerability can be seen as going against this unspoken rule. Veterans might believe they should be able to handle problems alone.

• Bad Past Experiences: A previous negative experience with mental healthcare can make a Veteran hesitant to seek help again. If they felt dismissed or that treatment was unhelpful, they might understandably not want to repeat it. This shows how important it is to provide Veteran-sensitive care.

• Navigating the System: Simply finding help can be hard. Many Veterans, especially those newly transitioned to civilian life, may not know about the resources available through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) or other organizations. The healthcare system can feel overwhelming.

• Geographic Isolation: For Veterans in rural or remote parts of Alberta, physical access to services can be a big problem. Lack of nearby specialists, long travel times, and limited transportation options can make consistent care very difficult.

• Military Culture: The overall culture of the military creates an environment where it is difficult for those within to ask for help.

• Doubts about Effectiveness: Some Veterans may doubt whether treatment will actually work.

Communication: A Bridge to Support for Veterans

Effective communication is crucial for encouraging Veterans to consider therapy. It requires a sensitive, empathetic, and informed approach, recognizing the unique challenges of military life.

• Normalizing the Conversation: The first step is to make talking about mental health normal. This means treating mental well-being as equally important as physical health. Openly discussing mental health, sharing personal experiences (if appropriate), and promoting awareness can reduce stigma.

• Active Listening: Active listening is key. Give the Veteran your full attention, show genuine interest, and avoid interrupting. Let them share their story at their own pace. Reflecting back what you hear (“It sounds like…”) shows you’re truly listening.

• Empathy, Not Sympathy: Express empathy. Acknowledge and validate the Veteran’s feelings, even if you don’t fully understand. Try to see things from their perspective. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or minimizing their struggles.

• Body Language: Non-verbal communication is just as important. Use open body language, maintain eye contact (but be mindful of cultural differences), and use supportive facial expressions.

• Creating a Safe Space: A non-judgmental approach is vital. Avoid criticism, creating a safe space where the Veteran feels comfortable opening up without fear. This requires patience and understanding.

• “I” Statements: Use “I” statements to convey concerns. Instead of blaming (“You’re acting differently”), say things like, “I’ve noticed you seem more stressed lately, and I’m concerned.” This is less confrontational.

• Examples of Effective Communication:

  • “I’ve noticed you’ve been more withdrawn lately, and I’m concerned. Would you be open to talking about it?”
  • “It takes strength to seek help, and I want you to know I’m here to support you in any way I can.”
  • “Many Veterans find therapy helpful. It might be worth exploring.”

• Tailoring the Message: One size does not fit all. Veterans may have differnent communication preferences.

These examples focus on empathy, support, and normalizing seeking help.

Tailoring Communication: Different Challenges, Different Approaches

How you communicate about seeking support may need to change depending on the specific mental health challenge a Veteran is facing.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can show up in many ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and avoiding triggers. Patience, understanding, and a focus on safety are crucial.

• Be Aware of Triggers: Avoid sudden loud noises or anything that could be seen as threatening.
• Create a Predictable Environment: Consistency can help reduce anxiety.
• Respect Boundaries: Let the Veteran set the pace and respect their need for space.
• Focus on Safety: Emphasize that seeking help is a way to regain control.
• Be aware that emotional detachment is a symptom of PTSD in Alberta First Responders.

A risk to partners is Secondary PTSD. This can occur when partners are exposed to the trauma indirectly through their partners experiences.

Depression

Depression involves persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of hopelessness.

• Encourage Professional Help: Emphasize that depression is a treatable medical condition, not a weakness.
• Offer Practical Support: Offer to help with daily tasks like errands or appointments.
• Be Patient: Recovery takes time. Don’t pressure the Veteran to “snap out of it.”
• Validate Feelings: Let them know their feelings are valid and you’re there to listen.

Anxiety

Anxiety involves excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. Symptoms can include panic attacks and difficulty concentrating.

• Create a Calm Environment: Minimize distractions and stressors.
• Encourage Relaxation: Suggest deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness.
• Promote Professional Support: Encourage seeking help to develop coping strategies.
• Validate Fears: Acknowledge that their anxiety is real, even if fears seem irrational.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse often occurs with other mental health conditions.

• Express Concern Without Judgment: Express concern about their well-being and the impact of substance use.
• Focus on Health and Safety: Frame the conversation around health, not blame.
• Encourage Treatment: Encourage seeking professional treatment for both substance abuse and underlying mental health issues.
• Offer Support: Offer support, but avoid enabling the problem.

Resources: A Network of Support

Knowing where to find help is essential. Many resources are available to Canadian Veterans, both nationally and in Alberta:

• Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Assistance Service: Provides 24/7 confidential psychological support to Veterans, former RCMP members, and their families. The toll-free number is 1-800-268-7708. This is a crucial first contact for immediate support.

• VAC Crisis Line: Immediate support for anyone in crisis. Call 1-800-668-6868.

• NUVISTA Mental Health: NUVISTA specializes in mental health care for Veterans, RCMP members, and their families. They offer a range of services, accessible through Medavie Blue Cross.

• Alberta Addictions Helpline: This helpline provides support for addiction issues: 1-866-332-2322.

• Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinics: These specialized clinics across Canada provide assessment, treatment, and support for Operational Stress Injury. OSIs are psychological difficulties from military service. These clinics offer a team approach, often including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): The CMHA is a national organization with branches across Canada, including Alberta. They offer various mental health programs, including support groups and education.

• Hope for Wellness Help Line: Indigenous Veterans can find support: 1-855-242-3310.

• ATLAS Veterans: Provides resources and help for those with mental health concerns.

Ethical Considerations: Boundaries and Responsibilities

When encouraging a Veteran to seek support, it’s vital to be ethical and responsible:

• Respect for Autonomy: Acknowledge the Veteran’s right to make their own decisions. You can offer support, but the choice is theirs.

• Avoid Coercion: Encouragement is not coercion. Don’t pressure, threaten, or manipulate the Veteran.

• Confidentiality: Keep everything shared confidential, unless there’s a risk of harm. Don’t disclose information without consent.

• Do No Harm: Avoid causing harm. Be mindful of your words and actions.

• Act in Their Best Interest: Your goal should be to support them in accessing care.

• Know Your Limits: You are not a mental health professional (unless you are). Your role is to offer support and connect them with qualified professionals.

• Justice: Fair and consistent access to resources for all.

Addressing Misconceptions: Challenging False Beliefs

Some Veterans may hold beliefs that discourage them from seeking therapy. Address these respectfully:

• “Therapy is a sign of weakness.” Counter this by emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength. Frame therapy as a tool for building resilience.

• “I can handle my problems on my own.” Explain that some problems are too complex to handle alone. Therapy provides tools and a safe space.

• “Therapy doesn’t work.” Explain that there are many types of therapy. Encourage exploring different options. Highlight the evidence-based nature of many therapies.

• “Mental health issues are a personal failing.” Emphasize that mental health conditions are medical conditions, not weaknesses. Genetics, environment, and life experiences all play a role.

• “I have other ways of coping.” Explain that therapy can complement healthy coping mechanisms like exercise and provide additional support.

The Data: Understanding Veteran Mental Health

Data shows the mental health challenges faced by Canadian Veterans:

• Approximately 21.1% of Canadian military veterans reported their mental health as “fair” or “poor” as of March 2022. This highlights the prevalence of struggles.

• The number of veterans reporting difficulties transitioning back to regular life has risen. 28% reported problems in 2010, growing to 39% in 2019.

• The Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey is vital for tracking trends.

• Within five years of entering the healthcare system, 28.9% of veterans had at least one primary care appointment related to mental health.

Encouraging Canadian Veterans, including those in Alberta, to seek mental health support is a complex challenge. By understanding the history, addressing barriers, communicating effectively, providing resources, and being ethical, we can create a supportive environment. It’s a collective responsibility to ensure those who served receive the care they deserve. If you are the partner or spouse of a Veteran in Alberta and you see signs of emotional shutdown in veterans, or any other mental health concerns, reach out to Responders First. We can help connect you and your loved one with the right support organizations for Canadian veterans and find the best path forward.

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.