KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – In my humble opinion, there appears to be an increase in mental illness among former and current individuals in the Canadian Armed Forces.
If the above is true, and I believe it is, there needs to be the removal of barriers to care. Many media reports over the years have indicated that there are a number of homeless individuals, some living in shelters across Canada, who once served in the Canadian Armed Forces and are now in need of housing, mental health services, jobs, retraining and other supports.
It would appear many live with PTSD and what could be termed “mental illness or family instability or both.” I believe that some have substance abuse issues, depression and anxiety.
Some doctors across Canada say that it might take 1-2 years to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist. This should be unacceptable for any Canadian and immediate measures should be taken to ensure timely care.
After all, I am sure those who chose to join the Canadian Armed Forces were not told they would be homeless after serving, nor were they told that they might suffer mental illness,
I believe the above noted issues are magnified with a apparent lack of programs and services.
I am no expert in this field, but it seems that Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defence and the entire government of Canada should treat this situation as an emergency and put in place programs and services that may save the lives of may veterans and others.
Maybe a Chief Advocacy Officer should be appointed with the authority to implement the necessary changes.
Raymond Sheppard
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