Canadian Military Faces Wave Of Mental Health Cases, Warns Report

Bruce Campion-Smith | The Star | December 16, 2013

Canada’s military could be overwhelmed by a spike in new cases, and an activist fears financial worries will only add to the stress.

An advocate for injured soldiers is urging changes to help soldiers cope with mental health troubles, even as a new report warns that the government is facing a new wave of troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders.

As many as 5,900 new veterans released from the Canadian Armed Forces in the next few years will suffer from a mental health disorder and at least 2,750 will suffer a severe form of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a new report from the Library of Parliament.

That threatens to overwhelm a health system that is already having trouble meeting demand.