Episode 13: The Cost: My journey with PTSD, anxiety, and mental health in the RCAF - Bryan and Melissa
May 9, 2023
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Former RCAF pilot Bryan discusses his journey with PTSD and mental health issues, highlighting the challenges, resources, and support in the RCAF mental health system. Bryan's wife Melissa interviews in this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode, providing insights into the stress of the RCAF lifestyle, the importance of seeking help, and the positive outcomes of their mental health journey.
Seeking help for mental health concerns is essential, and there are resources available within the military system.
The mental health journey can lead to personal growth, stronger relationships, and the opportunity to support others.
Deep dives
The Journey of Mental Health in the RCAF
The podcast episode discusses the host's personal journey with mental health in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The host shares his experiences, from his wife's perspective, of being the significant other of an RCAF pilot. They discuss the support and sense of community within the RCAF, as well as the challenges of deployments and frequent relocation. The host also opens up about his own mental health struggles, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from his tours in the Middle East. He candidly shares the warning signs, the mental health system within the military, and the importance of seeking help. The episode touches on the stigma surrounding mental health and emphasizes the need for support and understanding within the military community.
Personal Sacrifice and Identity Shift
The host reflects on the impact of his mental health journey on his career as a pilot. He acknowledges that not being able to fly in the military is likely a permanent outcome due to his diagnosis and medical category. However, he remains hopeful to continue flying in a private capacity in the future. The host shares the challenges of accepting this sacrifice and the need to redefine his identity beyond being a pilot. He discusses the positive aspects that have emerged from his journey, including personal growth, stronger relationships, and the opportunity to support others in their mental health struggles.
Importance of Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma
The episode emphasizes the importance of seeking help for mental health concerns. The host encourages listeners to reach out to professionals and utilize available resources within the military system, such as the Sentinel program, the CF Member Assistance Program, and mental health units. He addresses the societal and self-imposed stigma surrounding mental health and highlights the progress made in reducing external stigma within the military. The host also emphasizes the need for individuals to overcome their own internal stigma and take responsibility for their mental well-being. He offers support and mentorship to anyone who may be struggling and stresses that seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care.
Support from Family and the Role of Spouses
The episode acknowledges the challenges faced by family members, particularly spouses, of military personnel in relation to mental health struggles. The host's wife shares her perspective and talks about the importance of recognizing the signs and encouraging their partners to seek help. She emphasizes the role of open communication and seeking support, both individually and through couples counseling. The episode highlights that spouses and partners also need to prioritize their own mental health and recognize the impact of their loved one's struggles on their own well-being.
What happens if you have mental health issues as a pilot in the RCAF? What does it look like to navigate that system? Is there a large stigma against coming forward?
For this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Bryan will sit in the guest seat and his wife Melissa will take a turn interviewing.
Bryan has flown around the world in the CP-140M Aurora, but the missions that left their mark indelibly ended up being in Iraq against ISIS. Bryan will talk about his journey from good health to a mental health injury, the struggle of accepting a diagnosis, as well as what he has learned about identity, what it means to be a pilot, and what he has gained and lost along the way. Through it all we will do our best to provide good information on what it is like to navigate the mental health system in the RCAF, and to provide great resources for anyone who is struggling.
Remember, if you or a loved one are a CAF member and in need of assistance, the Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program is there for you.
