Advocating for mental health

The stress and unique circumstances that our military men and women face often makes the transition back to civilian life challenging. Some develop operational stress injuries (OSIs) including invisible wounds such as PTSD, depression and anxiety, substance abuse, and other conditions that interfere with daily functioning. The Royal Canadian Legion is advocating for government to improve research, care and access to services and supports for OSIs.

Primary advocacy position(s) on this issue:

• Mental illness education, counselling and training is desperately needed for Veterans, their families and support network.
  
• Research is needed to understand the causes, impact of and treatment of operational stress injuries and mental illness in the Veteran community.
• Our government must also continue to increase the work currently being done to help eliminate mental health stigma in the military and RCMP.