Qualitative Inquiry on the Health and Well-Being of Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans during Medical Release

Abstract

Introduction

The transition from military to civilian life can be a difficult adjustment, particularly for those members who have medically released. However little research has been conducted to gain a nuanced understanding of the experiences of ill and/or injured Canadian members and veterans throughout the transition period.

Methodology

Forty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain insight on the challenges that medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members (N = 14) and medically released veterans (N = 31) encountered during their transition process. Topics explored their current health and well-being, as well as transition stressors and challenges experienced during and post-release. Transcripts of interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis.

Results

Findings demonstrated that numerous ill and injured members experienced both physical and mental health challenges, which caused significant stress and impacted their psychological well-being. The present study also highlighted the stress and challenges that participants experienced both during and after release. Common themes found for medically-releasing members were: (1) uncertainty, (2) transition process and CAF support, and (3) lack of readiness. Veterans’ most common stressors related to: (1) managing their illness and/or injury, (2) managing employment, (3) pensions and disability support, and (4) finding meaning and purpose.

Discussion

Recommendations and implications regarding improving veteran well-being, as well as the implementation and development of various types of services and programs are discussed.

Keywords:

• Military
• veterans
• Canadian armed forces
• illness
• injury
• physical health
• mental health
• well-being
• adjustment
• transition
• stressors