The unknown ally: Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)

March 13, 2025 - Defence Stories

Military life is unique—full of pride, camaraderie, and accomplishment, but also challenges, hardship, and potential physical or mental health injuries. Deployments, operations, and training take a toll, not only on members but on their families. Many accept these challenges as "part of the life," yet the impact can persist long after service ends.

Sometimes, things get tough—really tough—maybe even dark. You or a loved one might seem different, more withdrawn, irritable, or struggling with symptoms of an operational stress injury (OSI). What if, in those moments, someone who truly understands could stand by your side? Someone who has been there, made it through, and is ready to help?

What is OSISS?

The good news is, such people exist—a whole team of them—spread across Canada, specializing in non-clinical support for OSIs.

Enter OSISS, the Operational Stress Injury Social Support program—your unknown ally. Established in 2001, OSISS is a partnership between the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada. The program continues because of its ability to deliver exemplary peer support to those in need.

With offices in many CAF Transition Centres, like CFB Borden, OSISS staff are backed by trained volunteers nationwide. Their lived experience is the program’s greatest asset.

How OSISS supports you

When you connect with OSISS, you meet coordinators and volunteers who truly get it. They understand your struggles, have access to resources, and maintain strong support networks. They are highly skilled in peer support, mobile, and ready to meet you where you are—mentally, emotionally, and geographically.

OSISS is available both during and after service, offering support to CAF members, veterans, and their families.

Breaking the stigma

Many OSISS participants call the program a lifeline they never knew they had. The stigma surrounding mental health means injuries are often ignored, set aside in favor of other priorities. OSISS provides a chance to acknowledge the injury, ask for help, and receive support that is kind, empathetic, non-clinical, and personal.

Regardless of your rank, gender, background, or service status, OSISS is a place where you’ll be welcomed and supported as you navigate the complexities of operational stress injuries.

You are not alone

No one should have to face these challenges alone. If you think OSISS might be for you, or that you or your loved one might have an OSI, there is a place for you in OSISS. Support is closer than you think—you don’t have to walk this path alone.

For support or more information

Canada-wide toll-free: 1-800-883-6094
Website: Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)
Email: osiss-ssbso@forces.ca

Written by: Colin Mason’s. Acting Regional Coordinator, Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS), Southern Ontario.