Project 168885

Workplace Reintegration of Veterans with Mental Disorders Mental health has special significance in the Canadian military and Veteran (former military) populations. For example, the rate of depression among regular Canadian Forces members is double that of the general population. Military service is demanding both physically and emotionally, and mental illness may be a consequence of military service. Mental disorders are associated with premature discharge from the military. Furthermore, reintegrating into the civilian workplace is difficult for Veterans in Canada, Britain, and the United States. The primary objective of this proposal is to build a team of experts in workplace reintegration difficulties in Veterans with mental disorders. Team building is the first phase of an anticipated research program that will provide an understanding of successful reintegration, determined by the interplay of workplace, compensation, health care, and personal factors. Veterans are an understudied population of about 1 million Canadians. Building this team of experts will provide the first opportunity to expand knowledge on the impact of mental health on workplace reintegration of Veterans. This research team has the potential to 1) direct policy development, as programs for Veteran vocational rehabilitation are evaluated and adjusted, 2) establish important research targets in Veteran workplace mental health, 3) pave the way for intervention research that aims to increase successful reintegration of Veterans into civilian life. We owe a special duty to those who have made sacrifices while serving Canada.

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