Canada’s top soldier makes plea to brothers and sisters at arms

It’s a plea to the men and women within his ranks as General Tom Lawson tries to curb a disturbing trend within his ranks.

He’s posted a two minute video on the Canadian Forces website informing soldiers they all have a role to play when it comes to mental health.

The speech comes after four soldiers who served in Afghanistan took their own lives last week and a fifth attempted suicide.

“The loss of any soldier is painful and heartbreaking to our men, women and families,” he says, standing in front of a blue screen. “Although suicide is an international public health concern, for an organization like ours built on leadership, built on camaraderie and strength, it hits us especially hard.”

“We have an expert healthcare system to support us, but in order for us to help each other it’s essential that all military personnel, like all Canadians, recognize mental health issues as they develop,” says Lawson.

He says you should never underestimate the direct positive impact you can have on someone else.

“Just as you would expect to be helped by your colleagues on the battlefield if you were physically injured, your brothers and sisters at arms are with you in the fight against mental illness,” Canada’s top-soldier says.

Lawson says anyone with suicidal thoughts should call 9-1-1 or rely on the extra help available at bases and the member assistance program.

Critics however feel the Canadian Forces hasn’t done enough.

Mike Cole is a veteran from Trenton, Ontario. He says soldiers are telling him that when they call, they get put on hold, or are simply told to go to the hospital.