Serving Canadian Armed Force (CAF) members, veterans, and their families with experiences of trauma

Abstract

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members make the courage decision to protect Canada at all costs. Their decision entails risking the detriment of their physical and mental well-being. CAF members and veterans often face unique and traumatic experiences. The current CAF modernization strategy has prioritized mental health care, implementing more holistic style approaches as it recognizes the growing need for continuous improvement to both the services delivered to users and their quality of life. The current medical model of care has been critiqued for perpetuating oppression and stigmatization of its users and does not allow for the full consideration of socio-economic factors. The following Advanced Practicum report explores the effects of various external factors using principles of trauma-informed care and a Mad Studies in response to stressors such as childhood experience or gender on current experiences.