Surgeon General Message on Mental Illness Awareness Week 2022

October 03, 2022 - Defence Stories

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Major-General Marc Bilodeau, Surgeon General, Canadian Armed Forces

This past Sunday marked the beginning of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), which falls within Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month (CHWM). MIAW is a campaign we leverage to educate Defence Team members on the realities of mental illness for those who struggle with mental health related issues. When we normalize these conversations at work and at home, we communicate to those who suffer – often in silence – that they are in an environment that supports them. 

This year, the overarching theme for CHWM is Together, For a Better Workplace.

As Surgeon General of the Canadian Armed Forces, here are some things I have learned about mental illness and the factors contributing to better mental health:

• No one is immune to mental health issues. From the newest members to the highest levels of leadership, we all need to monitor our mental health. As important as it is to ask for help when you need it, it is equally important for leadership to keep an eye out for signs of mental distress among their subordinates, and offer support.
• Current challenges (post-pandemic posture, culture, geopolitical instability, etc.) increase the risk that even the most resilient may need to take a break; this is OK.
• We have all had ups and downs in the last few years; it is important for us to develop our self-awareness using the Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) Mental Health Continuum and recognize when we need to reach out to a friend, a colleague, a supervisor, or a health care provider. There are programs in place to help us – we need to use them.
• As a friend, a peer, a supervisor, make an effort to recognize the signs of mental health struggle and offer a hand – you may prevent suffering and perhaps even save a life by doing so.
• The earlier people reach out, the easier it usually is to recover.
• We are all in this together, let’s keep an eye on each other.

I encourage you to take note of the helpful resources and services provided over the course of this month, and use them when you or someone you know needs mental health and personal well-being support. Early care and support for mental health issues are key.

Major-General Marc Bilodeau
Surgeon General, Canadian Armed Forces

Programs and resources available for Defence Team Members

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) are here to help Public Service employees and CAF personnel, families, and Veterans cope with professional or personal challenges that may affect their health and well-being. If you find yourself needing a helping hand or simply wanting to talk to someone, DND and the CAF have resources available to help.