Health & Wellness
Practical pathways for care, recovery, connection and daily functioning.
VANCA is not an emergency or crisis-response service. This form is not monitored continuously. Call 911 for immediate danger or urgent medical help. Call or text 988 for crisis support anywhere in Canada. The VAC Assistance Service is available at 1-800-268-7708.
Health support is not only crisis support
Start with the type of support you need
Assessment and treatment
A family doctor, nurse practitioner, psychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or other regulated provider may be part of care. VAC-funded treatment generally depends on eligibility and authorization. OSI clinics provide specialized assessment and treatment for operational stress injuries and may include psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work and other disciplines. You do not have to have a formal diagnosis to ask for an assessment.
Immediate confidential support
The VAC Assistance Service provides psychological support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to veterans, former RCMP members, families and caregivers. A person does not need to be a VAC client to use it. Call 1-800-268-7708. This is separate from emergency services — for an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911.
Peer and family support
Peer support can reduce isolation by connecting people with someone who understands military culture or caregiving. Family members may also access supports through the Veteran Family Program and Military Family Resource Centres, depending on the service. You do not have to navigate this alone, and neither does your family.
Rehabilitation and daily functioning
Rehabilitation may address medical, psychosocial or vocational barriers. The goal is not simply "return to work." It may include improving daily functioning, adapting the home or routine, learning strategies, rebuilding confidence, or preparing for education and employment when health allows. Eligibility for VAC rehabilitation depends on your situation — ask for a written program decision.
Conditions we see veterans asking about
These are not diagnoses — they are topics veterans frequently ask us to help them understand. A registered healthcare provider can assess what applies to your situation.
Operational Stress Injuries (OSI)
A broad term covering psychological difficulties caused by operational duties, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and other conditions.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder — a condition that can follow a traumatic event. Symptoms can include re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood, and hyperarousal. Treatment is available.
Depression
Low mood, loss of interest or energy, and other symptoms that affect daily life. Common in veterans navigating release and transition. Effective treatments exist.
Anxiety
Persistent worry, physical tension, or avoidance that interferes with daily functioning. Can appear alongside PTSD or depression.
Moral injury
Psychological distress caused by witnessing or participating in actions that conflict with one's values. Different from PTSD but may occur together.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A disruption in brain function caused by a physical blow or jolt. Symptoms can include cognitive difficulty, headaches, and mood changes.
Chronic pain
Pain lasting longer than three months. Common in veterans and can affect mood, sleep, and daily functioning. Multiple treatment approaches exist.
Sleep problems
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or nightmares are common. Sleep problems can worsen other symptoms. Ask your provider about treatment options.
Alcohol and substance use
Many veterans use alcohol or other substances to manage pain, sleep, or stress. Non-judgmental support and treatment are available. You do not have to minimize this to get help.
Family stress and caregiver burnout
Transition affects the whole family. Partners, children and caregivers carry their own burdens. Family support programs are available.
A whole-person check-in
Before your appointment, take a moment to check in across all areas. It is common to focus only on the most obvious symptom when other areas also need attention.
How to prepare for an appointment
Many veterans feel unsure what to say at a healthcare appointment, especially when they have been taught not to show difficulty. You do not need perfect medical language — describing what happens in your daily life is enough.
Write the three symptoms or difficulties that affect you most.
Describe what happens on a difficult day — not only what diagnosis you have.
List medications, treatments and what has or has not helped.
Bring a trusted person or written notes if memory, concentration or anxiety makes appointments hard.
Before leaving, confirm the plan, who will make each referral, and when follow-up should occur.
Example: turning "I am not doing well" into useful information
Example: Turning 'I am not doing well' into useful information
Instead of needing perfect medical language, Sam says:
"I sleep three hours, miss appointments, avoid driving, and need my partner to manage paperwork."
This describes functional impact — what the problem prevents Sam from doing. A provider can then assess what services, treatment or documentation may be appropriate.
Every person's circumstances are unique. This example is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
When to use urgent support
Call 911 when there is an immediate danger or urgent medical emergency. For immediate mental-health support that is not an emergency, the VAC Assistance Service is available 24/7 at 1-800-268-7708. For general mental health crisis support, call or text 988.
We are not a crisis or emergency service. Please use the numbers above for urgent situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions from Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, families and caregivers—answered in plain language.
Can't find your question? Ask us directly — we review every question and use them to build new answers.
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Related Glossary Terms
OSI
Operational Stress Injury — a psychological difficulty caused by operational duties, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and other conditions.
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — a condition that can follow a traumatic event, involving re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood and hyperarousal.
VAC Assistance Service
A 24/7 confidential psychological support service for veterans, families and caregivers. Call 1-800-268-7708.
Moral Injury
Psychological distress caused by witnessing or participating in actions that conflict with one's values. Different from PTSD but may occur together.
TBI
Traumatic Brain Injury — a disruption in brain function caused by a physical blow or jolt. Symptoms can include cognitive difficulty, headaches and mood changes.
Rehabilitation
A structured program addressing medical, psychosocial or vocational barriers. The goal is improving daily functioning, not simply returning to work.
Functional Impact
How a condition affects what a person can do in daily life — the practical effects, not the diagnosis itself.
Official Sources
We review these links at least annually. Dates, amounts and eligibility rules can change.
This page provides navigation and education only. It is not medical advice, clinical guidance, or a substitute for care from a registered health professional. VANCA is not a crisis or emergency service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Last reviewed: July 2026