When Chris Krieger returned from deployment in Iraq, he was suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) which led to epilepsy, numerous hospitals stays, and treatment at a brain center in Richmond, VA.
“My family was falling apart, we were at risk of losing our house and struggling to put food on the table,” he said. He turned to alcohol, and contemplating suicide many times.
“What saved me was receiving my first service dog,” he shared.
Kreiger is president and co-founder of WNYHeroes, Inc., an organization that provides financial, physical, and emotional support for Veterans.
Veterans experience many challenges as they transition to civilian life. Stigma can be a barrier for individuals who struggle with mental health issues. “You are afraid to talk about it, and you don’t want to deal with the stigma if you ask for the help,” he said
Kreiger was a panelist for a recent Facebook Live about soldiers’ transition to civilian life, and resources for mental wellness. Also participating were Colleen Drake, Veterans Outreach Program specialist, and Delcey Pulvino, LCSW, Caregiver Support Program at the Buffalo VA. Christopher Ramnauth, LCSW, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention, VA Western New York Healthcare System, moderated the event.
These experts agreed that peer support can be helpful when seeking help.
“It provides a feeling of knowing you’re not alone and there are others dealing with the same things you’re dealing with,” Drake said.
Even as resources have increased for military members and veterans, stigma still exists.
According to Pulvino, one of the challenges as soldiers return to civilian life it that everyone else’s life went on, but you’ve stopped.She described her transition from deployment to civilian lift as horrendous.
“It took me 18 months to walk through the doors of the VA and 20 years to get counseling,” Pulvino said.
“You are so amped up to get back,” she said. “You need to slow down and be patient.”
Where to start if you need help?
One suggestion is to reach out to your primary care doctor or talk to your spouse or family member.
If service members are not comfortable sharing their experiences with their spouse, speaking to a peer may be better option.
Drake said that when you come out or return home from a deployment, you must be patient.
“Talk to peers or family members – there are many options that can help you,” she said. “Just don’t give up!”
Resources for Veterans:
Veterans Crisis Line
Erie County Crisis Services: (716) 834-3131
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Call or Text
211WNY
VA mental health services
Learn more about VA mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs. You can use some services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care.
Homeless Veteran care at VA Western New York
Care and resources for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Caregiver support at VA Western New York
Training, educational resources, and tools to help Veteran caregivers take care of their families.
