Until recently, mental health, and more specifically mental disorders and Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) like PTSD have been taboo subjects. Over the past few years that has slowly started to change.
We are now more aware of the challenges mental health injuries pose. These injuries have a tragic impact on our Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
For 2025, Canada’s annual day for mental health, Bell Let’s Talk Day, will be 22 January. This year, the focus for Bell Let’s Talk Day is on youth mental health and the deteriorating state of youth mental health around the world.
What Can YOU Do?
Talk about it
Start by opening a conversation. Remember that a mental disorders is an illness, no different than any physical illness. I suffer from depression, Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and an OSI from my military service. These have affected me for as long as I can remember. Sometimes they stop me cold and have even come close to ending my life! I have heard it described as a “black cloud” that descends over you. It is the best description I can offer. While in the military, I could not mention my struggles with mental disorders. I feared being seen as unfit for military service and being released.
Over the past few years, I have learned to open up about it. I share what it’s like and what I do to overcome the misery and pain. I discuss how I manage when that cloud envelops me. If you want to talk, reach out to me.
If you know someone that may be suffering from a mental disorder – reach out to them. Talk about it!
Veteran and First Responder Mental Health
Statistics compiled by Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) present a stark reality for our country and highlight a need for action.
44.5%
Out of 5,000 First Responders surveyed 44.5% screened positive for one or more mental health injuries.
15% to 20%
Between 15% to 20% of firefighters suffer from post traumatic stress because of repeated workplace traumatic experiences.
22%
Ontario has approximately 8,000 paramedics. Studies predict that OSIs affect 22% of our paramedics.
40%
In most police jurisdictions in Ontario, up to 40% of calls involve persons with mental health issues.
1,600
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members released for medical reasons each year.
17
Average number of CAF suicides per year from 2006-2016. This DOES NOT include Veterans.
Youth Mental Health
This year, the focus for Bell Let’s Talk Day is on youth mental health. Bell Let’s Talk partnered with several mental health organizations. Together, they developed a report. It provides an unprecedented look into the state of youth mental health across Canada. A Generation at Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada is the first comprehensive and collaborative national report of its kind to be released in at least five years. The report outlines three key takeaways that discuss a generation at risk:
- Declining Mental Health – Youth mental health is in serious decline, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation;
- Service Gaps and Access Barriers – The report stresses the need for more equitable access to mental health services and highlights the importance of early intervention and mental health literacy in reducing long-term impacts; and
- Collaborative Action – The report offers evidence-based recommendations to improve youth mental health.
Help Me Help Those Who Serve Us
WWC is a national mental health service provider for Canada’s Veterans, First Responders and their families. We should follow the lead of Bell Let’s Talk. Let’s help the children of veterans and first responders in this country. Maybe, just maybe, together we can prevent them from developing mental disorders. WWC has developed a program specifically for those children. It is called Warrior Kids Camps. You can find out more about it at Warrior Kids Camp.
We constantly hear from program participants about these mental health services. They applaud the programs saying that they provide HOPE in their battle with a mental health injury.
The Road To Valour project is a 2,500 km unsupported bicycle ride. It aims to draw attention to the mental health challenges faced by our military, veterans, first responders, and their families. By contributing to The Road To Valour, you are supporting, not just the veterans and the first responders, but you are also helping to expand the Warrior Kids Camp programs so that these innocent children can
On 22 January, 2025 — or any day — please support the mental health of our veterans and first responders and their families with your generous donation by going to DONATE
All the funds raised through The Road To Valour project go directly to WWC, a CRA registered charity. You will receive a tax receipt for all donations over $20.
The Road To Valour 