Conference Targets Military Trauma

Helping veterans and still-serving Canadian Forces (CF) members who suffer from mental health injuries caused by their military service was the focus of a national conference sponsored by Veterans Affairs Canada in early May.

During the conference, health experts from our Department, the Department of National Defence and the civilian sector shared information on how best to identify and treat psychological injuries that include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other related conditions such as anxiety, depression and addiction. These are serious conditions that can affect a person's entire well-being and that of their family.

The national conference was hosted by Ste. Anne's Hospital, a VAC facility located near Montréal that specializes in taking care of veterans, many of whom have unique needs related to their war service. At the hospital, a centre has been established to offer mental health services to veterans and still-serving CF members. Since July 2001, approximately 170 clients, in uniform and out, have received help at Ste. Anne's Centre.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from a military-related operational stress injury, please call the VAC District Office nearest to you for information on how to receive help.