October 6, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:45
Caption
5 CDSB Gagetown only had outdoor break areas that were also designated smoking spots, leaving people who do not smoke literally out in the cold. Providing a smoke-free outdoor environment helps to encourage a healthier lifestyle and give members the physical and mental health benefits that come with fresh air and green space.
Did you know that mental health and substance use are often closely connected? People from all walks of life can face mental health or substance use challenges, and these two often coincide. Those experiencing a mental health issue may try to cope with substances, and at the same time, substance use can lead to mental health issues.
In recognition of this important connection, this Mental Illness Awareness Week and Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month, focus on mental health and substance use health. Every Defence Team member has a responsibility to build strong, healthy, and resilient communities. This starts with building self-awareness regarding your health, and what you can do to maintain or improve it. With this awareness, you can adopt and model healthy behaviors and help others.
What can Defence Team members do to support themselves and others when it comes to mental health and substance use?
Learn about the updated Mental Health Continuum.
This tool helps Defence Team members understand where they are—from thriving in the green zone to facing challenges in the yellow to red zones on the spectrum. It supports self-awareness and helps leaders and peers recognize changes in others. The updated version includes areas like sleep, spiritual health, and substance use, offering a fuller picture of well-being and ways to take meaningful action.
Mental health and substance use health matter, and help is always within reach. Reach out!
Support is available for everyone, whether you are a CAF member or public service employee: and whether that support is for yourself, your family, a peer, your unit, or as a supervisor or leader of any rank.
CAF members-connect with your local Strengthening the Forces Health Promotion Office.
Find out what training, tools, and supports are available to help you take action—whether for yourself, your peers, your unit or your community.
Learn about what other bases are doing to improve mental health and substance use health.
These initiatives showcase the dedication and creativity of our personnel in fostering health and wellness for military members and their families.
Read DND/CAF’s new policy on Mental Health and Wellness.
This policy outlines the rights and responsibilities of Defence Team members and leaders when it comes to mental health, mental illness, and resiliency. It provides guidance to create safer, more inclusive environments and ensure mental health and substance use health are promoted across the Defence Team.
Recovery is a journey requiring patience and hope, but with adequate support, commitment, and resources, it is possible.
Strengthening the Forces (STF) is the CAF/DND’s health promotion program, offering expert information, guidance, training, tools, and leadership support to enhance CAF members’ health and well-being.