In a candid conversation held at CFB Borden, members of the military community gathered for Mind-Body-Battle-Ready—a wellness initiative that took off on 6 May 2025 via discussion panel, designed to address the unseen mental battles members face and the support systems needed to win them.
The event featured a keynote presentation by Personnel Support Programs, Health Promotion Specialist, Dr. Scott Rollo, followed by a powerful and moving panel discussion involving military members, family support staff, and mental health professionals including:
- Base Commander Colonel Ramessar
- Formation Chief Warrant Officer Peters
- Chaplain, Captain Arouch
- Acting Base Surgeon for 31 Health Services, Captain Holbrook
- 31 Health Services Mental Health Team Lead, Captain Anderson
- Lindsay Trimble, OSISS
- Wanda Tucker, the Transition Centre
Hosted with openness and empathy, the event aimed to break down stigmas, normalize dialogue around mental wellbeing, and equip attendees with tools to recognize and respond to psychological strain—both in themselves and others.
Key Themes and Takeaways:
1. Mental Readiness Equals Operational Readiness
A recurring message from speakers was that mental resilience is not an optional bonus—it is essential to mission success. Dr. Rollo compared mental health to physical fitness saying, “Just as a soldier trains their body, we must also train and support our minds.” Neglecting mental well-being compromises team effectiveness and ultimately, safety.
2. Stigma and the Masking of Distress
Panelists explored how cultural norms around toughness and professionalism can discourage military members from seeking help. “We often say we’re fine—even when we’re not,” said Dr. Rollo. “But masking stress and pain leads to long-term damage.”
The panel emphasized that appearing strong is not the same as being well. Vulnerability, empathy, and human connection are strengths that fortify teams and save lives.
3. Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action
The conversation highlighted practical signs of mental distress including withdrawal, irritability, reduced performance, or sudden changes in behavior. Participants were encouraged not only to check in on others but to create environments where honest responses are welcome.
“We don’t need to have all the answers,” said Capt Anderson. “But we need to be present. To say, ‘I see you. I’m here.’ That alone can change everything.”
4. Leadership’s Role in Normalizing Mental Health
The event called on leaders to model open dialogue, reduce fear of professional consequence, and invest in the wellness of their units. Panelists shared personal stories of burnout, trauma, and recovery—proving that no rank or role makes someone immune to mental health challenges.
“We have a moral obligation to care for our people,” CWO Peters said, “and that includes their minds, not just their bodies.”
5. Support Systems and Available Resources
The panel introduced attendees to a wide range of on-Base and national resources, including:
- Operational Stress Injury Support Services (OSISS) – OSISS-SSBSO@forces.gc.ca
- Base Transition Centre programs – 705-424-1200 ext. 2035
- Borden Family Resource Centre (BFRC) – bordenfamilyresourcecentre@gmail.com
- On-base psychologists, social workers, and chaplains
Attendees were reminded that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that if the first resource isn’t a fit, others are available.
6. A Community of Care
Canadian Forces Recruiting Group CWO, CPO1 Scalabrini added to Dr. Rollo’s presentation via video recording, reminding members: “You are not a burden. You are not alone. Resilience begins with connection.”
Panelists urged members to be proactive in caring for themselves and others, to normalize mental health conversations, and to seek balance in their professional and personal lives.
Closing Reflection
“Mental fitness is mission critical,” said CPO1 Scalabrini, “not just for operational success, but for the strength of our humanity.”
The Mind-Body Battle-Ready panel not only served to open conversation but was a call to action. A reminder that the battles we can’t see are no less real. And that victory, in these battles, begins with empathy, conversation and courage.
For more information or support, CFB Borden personnel are encouraged to visit the MFRC, connect with a base mental health professional, or reach out through OSISS and the CAF Transition Centre.
