RCMP officer awarded coronation medal; stresses importance of ‘destigmatizing’ mental health issues

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Fergus resident Scott Stuart has worn many hats.

He’s served with the United States Marine Corps, the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and is now a commanding officer of the 121 Red Arrows Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Guelph.

Over the course of his journey, he has seen and experienced moments that motivated him to push supportive conversations regarding mental health.

Due to an incident in 2014 while serving as an RCMP member in Saskatchewan, Stuart was diagnosed with chronic and severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“I like to view it as post–traumatic stress injury ... to destigmatize the idea that you’re always broken,” he told the Advertiser.

Between 2010 and 2018, Stuart accessed available RCMP mental health services “because of my own experiences,” he said.

One service included a reintegration program that helped members who had been off duty for a long time or were involved in a critical or traumatic incident.

“I assisted them with co-facilitators to feel good about rejoining the workforce,” Stuart said.

“It’s proving to be as rewarding as any of the other things I’ve helped with the RCMP in the past.”

He spoke highly about the RCMP’s efforts to avoid stigma surrounding PTSD.

Stuart hopes to “encourage any veteran or active member to find those social support networks whether they’re in your family or outside.”

“There’s an advantage to getting an outside professional because then you don’t have to worry that they might get burdened with what you tell them,” he said.

Stuart recalled a turning point in his life when he thought to himself, “I either need to share this with my wife or [I’m] going to end up divorced.

"I chose to share it (his trauma) and we’re still married.”

He reminisced about a piece of advice he was given many years ago: when you put on your retirement jacket, you want your family around you.

Stuart continues to serve as an active RCMP member and as an Air Cadet squadron leader in Guelph.

In recognition of his many roles in the community, Stuart was awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal on Nov. 1.

“It is an honour to receive one,” he said.