All Psyched Up: Our unique veterans

By Linda Hancock on November 8, 2025.

For years I have been working with veterans and not only highly respect them but also have learned so much from them that I thought I should share.

Did you know?

1. According to the 2021 Census there were 461,240 veterans in Canada.

2. Veterans in that year represented 1.5% of the population (aged 17 and older).

3. About 41.8% were seniors at that time and 32% were between the ages of 25 and 54 years.

4. Women made up 16.2% of veterans.

5. In 2021 at least 46% of veterans had at least one disability (pain 72% and physical 66%)

6. First Nations, Métis or Inuit identity made up 5.2%.

7. Indigenous veterans were initially not allowed to lay wreaths at the National War memorial on Nov. 11, so Nov. 8 was established specifically to honour their contributions.

8. The unemployment rate of veterans who had been released from the military was 8.6% in 2021, slightly lower than the general population which was 10%.

9. Veterans are extremely well trained in the military and do not lose their skills when they leave so make excellent employees in the civilian world.

10. Canada is blessed to have “hidden protection” with military veterans who can help and defend us at any time.

11. Canadians tend to honour those who served after they have died but forget about those Veterans who are still living.

12. Most Veterans do not want to talk about their service – so be respectful.

13. Many veterans have told me about the difficulties they face and hate leaving their homes to go out in public, especially if there is a crowd.

14. Veterans can be hyper-vigilant but are also afraid of how they might behave if they are unexpectedly triggered in society.

15. One the biggest challenges of leaving the military involves losing the “team” members with whom they lived, fought, ate, slept and worked. It can be very scary and lonely after release.

16. Not all veterans were deployed to war zones. Many lived and worked in Canada during their service.

17. Service dogs are extremely valued by veterans but are hard to get and very, very expensive to purchase and train.

18. Not all veterans have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder even though Canadians often inappropriate assume this.

19. Volunteers and donations are needed to help our veterans through organizations such as Veterans Emergency Transition Services.

20. You will never find a more loyal and caring individual as a veteran (once you have shown respect and earned their trust).

On Nov. 8 and Nov. 11 remember those who died in service of our country but also honour those who served and still live alongside us.

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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