New resources offer help for veterans facing pain and mental health challenges

Over 60% of patients at the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans experience both chronic pain and mental health issues. This is according to Dr. Ramesh Zacharias, the centre’s president and CEO. He says these issues include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.

“The DNA of a soldier and RCMP officer is ‘mission first, self second.’ They will sacrifice themselves to complete the mission,” says Dr. Zacharias.

Unfortunately, this mindset causes problems for veterans, says Dr. Zacharias. He explains that they must shift their thinking from serving others to being served by a medical professional who is helping them through a diagnosis.

“We won’t get rid of your pain, but we can help you develop strategies to function better, so you can attend your kids’ soccer games, take them to Canada’s Wonderland, or go on vacation to the beach, things you would have never considered before,” says Dr. Zacharias.

As a former RCMP officer and Hamilton police officer, Cam Kowalski sees hope on the horizon. This hope was a motivating factor in his decision to become director of the centre.

“Our mindset is different than in other occupations. The big thing is hope. There are a lot of research projects underway to find new treatments and new ways to help us,” says Kowalski.

When watching Remembrance Day celebrations, or seeing a soldier standing at attention or marching, Cam Kowalski wants you to remember this:

“Think about the training, the rigor, and all the physical toll that accumulates over the years of service. The strain on the body from service is unlike any other occupation.”

If you or someone you know would benefit from connecting with the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans, visit veteranschronicpain.ca.