Archana Cini
Lookout Newspaper

Mental health matters, especially in a life of service. For the week starting May 5 2025, Defence Community members across Canada came together to challenge stigma, encourage connection, and explore strategies for mental well-being.

2025’s Mental Health Week carried the theme of ‘Unmasking Mental Health’, a concept that recognizes the toll hiding mental struggles can take, especially on military members, veterans, Defence employees, families, and communities. In a culture of service and resilience, honest conversations about psychological and emotional wellbeing can sometimes feel like risk to those
known for strength. But as reinforced during the Self Care Strategies: Helpful Now and Always webinar held on May 8, vulnerability is not weakness—it’s a strength that builds healthy people and communities.

Led by Human Relations Specialist and Criminologist Alexandra Hidalgo, the session offered Defence community participants with evidence-based tips to care for their mental and emotional well-being.
“Stress and mental heaviness, when left unchecked, impacts our immune system, memory, mood, daily functioning, and more,” she explained. “The goal of self-care is to build consistent habits that work to boost our mental health before long-term, negative effects build.”
With life in the Defence community often defined by deployments, irregular schedules, separation, or stress, Hidalgo’s tools were both informative and actionable. Whether you’re in uniform, supporting a loved one, or behind the scenes, here are some tips for mental wellbeing:

  1. Commit to caring for yourself. Prioritize self care like any other obligation. Plan ahead, forgive yourself, and understand you can’t pour from an empty cup.
  2. Practice healthy thinking. Stay curious about your thoughts, create space from negative self talk when needed, and recognize unhealthy thoughts as they arise.
  3. Focus on what you can control. Redirect energy away from worry and try shifting towards positive actions you can engage in instead.
  4. Move your body and nurture your health. Adequate sleep, whole food, daily movement, and sunlight are foundational to a healthy mind. Give yourself care.
  5. Journal and practice gratitude. These actions help the brain process difficult emotions and create perspective or distance after a tough moment.
  6. Limit media intake. Don’t be afraid to step back and protect your mental space by consuming news and social media in moderation, or not at all.
  7. Stay socially connected. Support is strength, and asking for help is self-care. Resist withdrawing from loved ones, friends, and community members in times of difficulty.

Every Defence community member deserves to feel mentally seen, supported, and strong. For resources or support, visit helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca.