Honoring Our Veterans: An Interview with Lindsey Adsett on Remembrance Day
As Remembrance Day approaches, we are reflecting on the sacrifices and resilience of Canadian veterans through the insights of Lindsey Adsett, a dedicated Rehabilitation Services Specialist who works closely with veterans in British Columbia. Lindsey’s work with PCVRS (Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services) involves developing rehabilitation plans tailored to veterans’ unique needs, helping them transition from military to civilian life with a focus on physical and mental health.
Supporting Veterans in Transition
Lindsey’s role is deeply rooted in a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Working from home, she virtually meets with veterans, assessing their needs and connecting them with resources such as psychologists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and occupational therapists. Her goal is to support veterans as they build quality of life and, in some cases, return to the workforce. Over her year and a half in this position Lindsey has found it fulfilling to witness some veterans progress from being significantly isolated to becoming more connected socially and experience an improved quality of life.
The Challenges Veterans Face
Through her work, Lindsey has seen common challenges among veterans, many of whom struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), isolation, and a sense of disconnection from society. Approximately 90% of veterans she works with have experienced trauma that makes reintegration difficult. Often, veterans turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, which can complicate the recovery journey. The OSI (Operational Stress Injury) Clinics in British Columbia offer critical support, providing specialized therapy and group sessions that help veterans address PTSD, insomnia, and more.
The Impact of Remembrance Day
For Lindsey, working with veterans has changed her perspective on Remembrance Day. She recognizes this time of year as emotionally intense for veterans, with many experiencing heightened trauma triggers and relapses. In her role, Lindsey and her team strive to offer understanding and compassion to veterans during this period, knowing it stirs complex emotions.
How the Creston Community Can Help
When it comes to community support, Lindsey emphasizes the importance of simply listening to veterans. While Creston may not have abundant veteran-specific resources, fostering a sense of inclusivity and validation for veterans is invaluable. Many veterans feel the impact of mental health challenges, and a simple gesture of kindness can make a profound difference. Lindsey encourages residents of Creston to honor veterans year-round by acknowledging their sacrifices and providing an empathetic ear.
Closing Thoughts
As we approach Remembrance Day, Lindsey invites us to honor the resilience and sacrifices of our veterans by reaching out and offering understanding. Her work reminds us that veterans face unique and ongoing challenges—and that our support, whether through listening or advocating for community resources, plays a crucial role in helping them feel valued. Let’s honor our veterans not just on Remembrance Day but every day, in gratitude for their service and dedication.
