Strengthening the Forces: Take a moment to show iCare for mental health – today and every day

Strengthening the Forces: Take a moment to show iCare for mental health - today and every day

January 21, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 2:00

Recently, Defence Team members were called to action to show "iCare for CAF". iCare is about taking moments every day to check in with yourself and others to strengthen total health and foster a healthy team environment. You may already be taking action, doing things such as following your daily self-careroutine, connecting with others around you, and offering a hand when needed. Know that these actions, however small they may seem, are very meaningful.

This year on Bell Let's Talk Day, we ask you to take a moment to show you care about mental health. Mental health is one of the core dimensions that make up your total health. All dimensions of health are interconnected, meaning that if one is out of balance, the others will follow. For example, social isolation (social/cultural health dimension) and or loneliness negatively affects your mood (mental health dimension), while also increasing the risk of physical consequences or early death (physical health dimension). Your optimal health depends on taking the time to understand and care for each dimension.

Using iCare [PDF, 1.96 MB] as a guide, we invite you to reflect on how you can better understand and support your mental health and the mental health of others.

• Identify - Pay attention to yourself and those around you. Notice changes in mood, behaviour, or performance that might signal something is different.
• Connect - For yourself, this means really tuning in to how you're doing. For others, reach out to them genuinely with a simple, "How are you doing?"
• Attend to - Acknowledge struggles when you notice them. What's at the root of the issue? Listen to and validate others. Let them know they're not alone.
• Respect and respond - Honour personal boundaries and prioritize safety. Support should be offered with empathy, not pressure.
• Establish support - Take action to get the support required. That might mean calling the Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program or the Employee Assistance Program for advice, going to the clinic, or simply listening and learning from each other's stories. Whatever is decided, remember, you don't have to do it all yourself.

The Defence Team has a variety of resources to support your mental health today and every day:

• Defence Team mental health and wellness resources
• Military Mental Health. You're not alone.
• Mental health resources for CAF Members and their families
• Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)
• CFMWS Mental Health. Finding Balance
• Strengthening the Forces Health Promotion Program

Leith Fermin-Rix & Bahareh Samsamiardekani - Strengthening the Forces (STF) Social Wellness Team.

#STF is the CAF/DND's health promotion program offering expert information, guidance, training, tools, and leadership support to enhance CAF members' health and well-being.