Factors that help and factors that prevent Canadian military members’ use of mental health services

Abstract

LAY SUMMARYCanadian Armed Forces (CAF) members experience depression at higher rates than civilian Canadians. Mental health services are available, yet members do not always use them, even when needed. The authors hosted focus groups to find out what brings military members to mental health services. The results show that the CAF is dealing with structural barriers, including time for members to go to appointments, confidentiality, language about mental health, and higher ranking members talking about their own experience, which helps members seek help. Military culture, which has changed over the years, makes a difference for military members in either promoting or preventing getting help. Also, personal stigma still exists, and it is one reason members do not use mental health services. Basic training, when members are introduced to military culture, may be a place for higher ranking members to talk about their experiences with mental health help. Leaders’ openness about their use of services and ensuring that leaders know about the resources that exist may continue to foster members’ use of mental health services. Personal-level stigma needs more research.