May 7, 2018 - Ottawa, ON
One in five Canadians will be affected by mental illness at one time or another, in their lifetime. Unfortunately, more than half of those affected will not seek care, even though doing so in the early stages increases the chances of getting back to 100% within a reasonable time.
No one is immune to mental illness, and it makes no distinction as to race, lifestyle or social class. Like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma, it can be hereditary or a series of events or circumstances can trigger the first symptoms of the disease. Regardless of its origin, mental health disorders are destabilizing for both the person who suffers and for those around them.
For Veterans, the nature of their duties puts them at greater risk of suffering from certain mental health problems than the average Canadian.
There is help available. If you are a Veteran who needs help or you know of someone who needs help, seek assistance.
I encourage you to look at the available resources specifically designed for Veterans and their families, including:
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Help Line: 1-800-268-7708