About me
Born on the Shores of Cape Breton
My name is Christian Lillington and I joined the Canadian Armed Forces on 24 June 1993 in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
I grew up in a small fishing community on the northern tip of the Cape Breton Highlands and remained there until embarking on my career in the military. I was always focussed on success and I was highly competitive in all aspects of my life.
My brothers and I, growing up in Neil's Harbour, Nova Scotia
Military Service
Throughout my career, I served in numerous positions within the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, Canadian Army Training System, Military Personnel Generation and the Canadian Army Headquarters.
I was posted and held positions within three Armoured Regiments and different training establishments moving over 10 times throughout the country for various postings and positions.
I proudly served at home and abroad to include a tour with the United Nations in Eritrea, Africa on Operation Addition in 2001 and two tours to Kandahar, Afghanistan on Operation ATHENA (2006-07 & 2010).
Post-War
After a very difficult and tumultuous summer in 2016 compounded by years of unmanaged, life altering losses and trauma, my health declined rapidly and I hit the proverbial wall and had a complete burnout. I mistakenly did my best to not disclose my issues outside of a very small circle.
In Fall 2016, I was diagnosed with an Operational Stress Injury (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder- {PTSD]) and Major Depressive Disorder and was afforded intensive treatment.
I believe that word warrior is both gender neutral and synonymous with "service to others" and not just intended to be military-centric. So in my design of this website, I believed the name “Warriors for Life” aka "Warriors 4 Life" is something that applies to those who serve or have served.
so What?
After 26 years of service within the Canadian Armed Forces, I have transitioned to civilian life and seek to help and assist other serving members, veterans, police officers, emergency services, corrections officers medical professionals and the countless other helping professions who suffer the effects of their commitment on their health and well-being.
Having attended programs and seminars with many warriors from across this great nation, it became clear to me that most organizations, families and respective individuals struggle with how to manage their mental health challenges (and related health issues). There is help out there and resources within.
ParADE STATE ZERO
Leaving a Military Leadership to Survive
Christian Lillington's first book details his life before joining the military and his experiences serving his country.
He aims to expose his journey with complex PTSD so others know that they are not alone with their injury. He provides extensive education on operational stress injuries and all of the symptoms he experiences, even those not talked about in textbooks.
Podcasts
Keep it Simple Sammy
Join Sammy and her co host Christian. Christian is the author of "Parade State Zero" The book that was featured on title Review Tuesday. February, 2022.
Operation Tango Romeo
The Trauma Recovery Podcast for #Military, #Veterans, #First Responders, and their families. #PTSD Recovery is a tough road, and it can not be travelled alone. April, 2022.
Bunny Hugs Podcast
This week I’m speaking with author and retired military man, Christian Lillington, about his new book Parade State Zero: Leaving Military Leadership to Survive. Christian describes his 26 years in the military, being deployed three separate occasions, civilian life and coming to terms with his suffering of PTSD. May, 2022.
Blue Skies Podcast
As part of Mental Health Week 2022, MP Erin O’Toole speaks with LCol. (Ret’d) Christian Lillington, a Canadian Armed Forces officer with a distinguished record of service. Christian talks about what drew him to serve Canada and about the cumulative impact of trauma and challenges of an Operational Stress Injury. He told his story in “Parade State Zero: Leaving Military Leadership to Survive” and is dedicating his post-military career to peer support worker and advocacy for Veteran mental health. May, 2022.
UpTalk Podcast
This episode we chat with Christian Lillington. A Canadian Armed Forces Veteran, he shares his inspirational story of struggle and growth. Check out Christian’s book, Parade State Zero: Leaving Military Leadership to Survive. June, 2022.
News Features
The Toronto Star
‘You’re going from 100 miles per hour to full stop’: it’s tough to transition from military to civilian life. Written by Elaine Smith, published on January 3, 2023. Photo taken by Trevor Godhino.