The exceptional roles and responsibilities Canada’s military and RCMP members undertake while in service can lead to mental health difficulties. The Legion understands the toll serving for our country can have on individuals and we are here to offer our support. Though we cannot assist directly in the specialized area of mental health, the compassionate professionals from the Service Officer Network can assist you in finding the help you need. There are numerous programs and services available for Veterans and their families to get the help they deserve.  Do not suffer in silence, there is help.  We care.

The Employee Assistance Services of Health Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada, is a voluntary and confidential service to help serving and retired members (Regular Force, all Reserve Class Members, RCMP, Cadets, Veterans), their family members as well as primary caregivers, who have personal concerns that affect their personal well-being and/or work performance. 

• Phone: 1-800-268-7708
• For the hearing impaired, dial 1-800-567-5803 (TDD)

The Family Information Line is a confidential, personal and bilingual service offering information, support, referrals, reassurance and crisis management to the military community. Trained Family Information Line Counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.

• Phone: 1-800-866-4546

SOURCE:  https://www.legion.ca/support-for-veterans/mental-health-ptsd 

The Royal Canadian Legion understands that Veterans retiring from the military or RCMP may need help transitioning back to civilian life.

Legion Support for Veterans and their Families

The impact service has on military and RCMP Veterans often makes the transition back to civilian life challenging. The experience of life after release can be different and unique for each individual. In all cases there is a period of adjustment for the Veteran and their family. In some cases, this transition can impact physical and mental health, disrupt financial stability, impact relationships and families, and include addressing or managing physical or mental wounds from service.

Through all of the adjustments and challenges, the Legion is here to help. Our Professional Command Service Officers can assist you and your family in accessing immediate and long term supports and services:

• initiate referrals to Canadian Armed Forces Transition Services for support with relocation and finding employment
• provide assistance at all stages of the disability claim process through Veterans Affairs Canada
• help you and your family access transition and mental health supports, services and benefits
• provide emergency financial assistance, and help you access additional financial supports
• provide assistance for families, and help your family access the benefits and supports they are eligible for

...and more!  

To speak with us about assistance in adjusting to civilian life, please contact your Command Service Officer.

Camaraderie and the Legion Community

Legion Branches offer support and camaraderie to Veterans and their families in their community. Currently serving and retired CAF and RCMP members and their families are encouraged to get involved at their local Legion as a way to meet other Veterans and members and  get involved in your community.

The Legion is pleased to provide Veterans that have retired from the Canadian Armed Forces within the last year with a free one-year Legion membership, including a subscription to Legion Magazine and access to the Member Benefit programs.

        Source:  https://www.legion.ca/support-for-veterans/adjusting-to-civilian-life

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