Abstract:Background: The media plays an important role in shaping public perceptions of social groups. Yet, there is little research on how Canadian veterans are portrayed in the media, especially in relation to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide. This study aimed to (1) document Canadian media themes and trends in coverage of veterans; (2) analyze themes in PTSD-related media coverage; and (3) assess adherence to suicide reporting guidelines in articles about veteran suicide. Methods: We systematically retrieved and coded 915 Canadian media articles about veterans published from January 2020 to December 2021, including 93 articles focused on PTSD and 61 focused on suicide. Articles were coded using validated content analysis methods, with inter-rater reliability assessed. Results: Over half of all articles honoured or commemorated veterans, while 14% associated veterans with violence or crime. PTSD-themed articles frequently emphasized violence and crime (>60%) with less attention to recovery or rehabilitation. Suicide-related articles generally followed responsible reporting guidelines but rarely provided help-seeking information (<5%), with many focusing on a single high-profile murder-suicide incident. Few articles addressed suicide prevention or modifiable risk factors. Conclusions: Canadian media coverage of veterans demonstrates strengths in commemorative reporting but reveals gaps related to stigma and incomplete suicide reporting. Improved media coverage, particularly regarding mental health, recovery, and suicide prevention, could help reduce stigma and support veteran well-being