Family members of Veterans with mental health problems: Seeking, finding, and accessing informal and formal supports during the military-to-civilian transition

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Veterans and their families in the military-to-civilian transition (MCT) face a multitude of changes and challenges. Family members of those Veterans experiencing a significant mental health problem (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety) may find that navigating the MCT is made more complex, especially as they seek to find social support during this transition. The present study set out to hear from family members and learn about their obstacles and successes in accessing formal and informal support during the MCT and how this was affected by the Veteran’s mental health problems. Interviews and focus groups were completed with 36 English- and French-speaking Veteran family members across Canada. Family members shared how significant issues (e.g., mental health stigma, caregiver burden and burnout) were barriers to seeking and finding both informal (i.e., extended family, friends, online support) and formal (i.e., operational stress injury clinics, Military Family Resource Centres) support systems helpful in navigating the MCT. Despite setbacks and frustrations in accessing these supports, Veteran military families demonstrated resiliency and resolve as they pursued comfort, financial aid, respite, and counsel for themselves and for the Veteran with mental health problems during the MCT.