Afghanistan
The Canadian Forces today uses the term “Operational Stress Injury,” a catchall phrase describing “any persistent psychological difficulty — including anxiety depression and post-traumatic stress disorder” related to military service.
Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan routinely undergo “third-location decompression” before returning to Canada. Troops are sent first to Cyprus for R&R, where they also attend sessions on stress, anger and suicide management. In the 1990s, Canadian military officials noticed that peacekeepers in Bosnia who spent a short layover in Guam before returning to Canada were better able to reintegrate into society. The practice of third-location decompression became the norm in 2002.
The Canadian Forces offers counseling programs for families of combat veterans. Following a tour of duty, veterans are expected to answer questionnaires and undergo mental heath exams for up to six months.
Counseling is also available through Operational Stress Injury Social Support, a peer support network with locations across Canada.