Navigating the aftermath: Understanding the support needs of military Veterans and their families decades after trauma

Introduction: Research examining the needs of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans often focus on mental health and combat experiences post-Afghanistan. However, studies examining the well-being, long-term health, and support needs of Veterans and military spouses following non-combat traumatic incidents are less common. To address this gap, we examined the well-being, health, and support needs of Veterans and military spouses two decades after Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) CHICOUTIMI submarine fire. Methods: We conducted qualitative in-depth, semi-structured interviews with surviving crewmembers, Care and Custody Team (CCT), and spouses involved in HMCS CHICOUTIMI submarine fire to gather multiple perspectives on the long-term impacts of this traumatic incident. Template analysis was used to identify key themes. Results: We identified five common themes: 1) peri-incident experiences, 2) long-term well-being, 3) access to care, 4) coping, and 5) purpose. Results suggested a variety of long-term physical health issues and mental health symptoms that had a negative effect on Veterans’ well-being and the well-being of their spouses. The study showcased how each population perceived support — or the lack thereof — from the CAF organization, Canadian Forces Health Services, and individuals (e.g., family, peers, and colleagues); it highlighted distinct coping strategies used by crewmembers, the CCT, and their spouses. Discussion: As the first study to examine long-term effects of trauma on CAF Veterans who experienced a disaster at sea, the study offers novel insights into the evolving care needs of Veterans, highlighting trauma’s impact on ageing Veterans and their spouses over two decades.