Who makes up the Canadian Military?
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) consists of three main branches:
- The Royal Canadian Navy
- The Canadian Army
- Royal Canadian Air Force
Within the CAF, there are Regular Force members, Reserve Force members, and Canadian Rangers.
Additionally, support personnel — such as civilian staff — play critical roles in Canadian Military operations.
- Awareness
- Sensitivity
- Knowledge
- Skills
Learning objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Recognize how cultural background and biases influence perceptions of military service members.
- Understand how biases affect assumptions about their mental health needs.
- Identify the unique stressors military personnel experience during conflicts, disasters, and emergencies.
Why this matters
Military service has lasting effects on health and well-being. When supporting this group, it’s essential to reflect on your own views and assumptions about service members. These perceptions can shape their willingness to seek help and impact the relationships you build with them. Regular self-reflection is key to ensuring unbiased, effective support.
Understanding military roles in emergencies
Military personnel are often among the first responders in disaster and crisis situations. Their responsibilities come with unique challenges, including:
- Trauma from combat and exposure to high-stakes situations
- Moral injury from difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas
- Mental strain from prolonged deployments away from family
- Pressure to suppress mental health struggles due to military culture
The military’s emphasis on resilience, discipline, and mission focus can create barriers to discussing mental health openly.
Recognizing the impact of social identity in high-stress situations
Social identity factors — such as race, gender, and socioeconomic background — can shape how military members experience stress and seek support.
- Service members from marginalized groups may face additional pressures related to their identity and past experiences.
- BIPOC and immigrant military personnel may encounter stigma or bias when accessing mental health care.
Reflective question
What assumptions do you have about the mental health impact of emergencies on military service members?
Learning objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Develop an emotional understanding of the mental health challenges faced by military personnel.
- Recognize how diverse backgrounds and occupational stressors shape their experiences.
Why this matters
To provide effective support, you need to be motivated to learn about the military’s unique stressors, improve your cultural competency, and develop the skills necessary to assist service members coping with the aftermath of crises.
Emotional and mental health stressors for military personnel
Military personnel face intense emotional and psychological challenges.
- Exposure to combat and morally complex situations increases the risk of PTSD and depression.
- Reintegration struggles — i.e., returning to civilian life after deployment — can be difficult, particularly if family members lack understanding or support.
- Prolonged separations from loved ones can contribute to isolation and emotional distress.
Cultural sensitivity to mental health disparities in crisis response
- 2SLGBTQIA+ service members may experience discrimination or lack of acceptance, making it harder to access mental health support.
- Cultural, racial, and economic factors can affect how military personnel seek and receive care.
Reflective question
What concerns and emotions might military personnel experience during emergencies that are heightened by their roles?
Learning objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Identify common mental health challenges faced by military personnel in crisis situations.
- Understand how cultural identity influences stress, coping strategies, and help-seeking behaviour.
Why this matters
Military service members often experience long-term health impacts due to their roles. Understanding these risks allows you to provide better support during and after crises.
Mental health challenges among military personnel
CAF members frequently face mental health issues due to the physical and emotional demands of their jobs. These challenges include:
- PTSD from combat or traumatic experiences
- Depression and anxiety linked to sustained stress and moral injury
- Increased suicide risk in certain populations
- Substance use disorders as a coping mechanism
Role of cultural identity in mental health experiences
Cultural identity influences mental health symptoms, coping mechanisms, and help-seeking behaviours.
- Members of cultural minorities may face stigma within military culture for accessing mental health support.
- Faith, community, and cultural traditions can shape how military personnel navigate stress and trauma.
Reflective questions
What specific stressors make military personnel more vulnerable to depression and anxiety?
Which mental health conditions — such as PTSD or moral injury — are most common among military members returning from crises?
Learning objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Apply culturally informed skills to support military personnel effectively.
- Provide compassionate and effective mental health support during emergencies.
Why this matters
Supporting military personnel requires empathy, flexibility, and cultural awareness. To build trust, engage with service members in a non-judgmental, respectful manner. Recognize and address their unique mental health challenges — especially among equity-denied populations — and remain open to learning about their specific needs.
Communication skills for crisis support
Effective communication with military personnel involves:
- Active listening to foster trust and demonstrate understanding
- Using respectful language that aligns with military culture and values
- Recognizing privacy considerations when discussing mental health stigma
Military communication is shaped by discipline, mission-focus, and chain of command structures. Adapting your approach to these frameworks can help build rapport and trust.
Building trust and rapport in crisis situations
Establishing trust with military personnel requires:
- Active listening and respect for military traditions
- Understanding the cultural aspects of military life and values
- Acknowledging the challenges of reintegration and mental health stigma
Reflective questions
How can you ensure military personnel receive the mental health support they need during and after crises?
What strategies can you use to build trust while respecting their cultural and occupational background?