How is my career in the CAF affected by mental health
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members should always seek help right away when dealing with mental health issues. Like your physical health, if the condition is left untreated it may worsen and impact your long-term health and career.
When you come forward, the goal is to get the right kind of assistance and treatment to help you keep working, while receiving the specialized attention you need. Some of the work arrangement that can be made while you are getting mental health assistance include:
- Receiving mental health care while continuing to work in you regular position
- Taking sick leave for a period of time while working with a mental health provider. After your treatment is complete you return to work full time
- A posting to the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group if that is the best way for you to focus efforts on recovery
Every individual is unique, and the selected course of action is based on your situation. Members are given time to recover and rehabilitate, with the end goal of returning to work within the CAF.
Transitioning to civilian life
A career within the civilian workforce may be more beneficial for some in the recovery process.
CAF members are transitioned to civilian life only when necessary. You first need to be assessed by a CAF medical officer where they will evaluate your mental and physical health to determine if you are ready to transition. If you’re eligible to transition to civilian life, you will have access to CAF transition services, as well as other compensation and benefits.