SALEM, Va. – It’s Christmas and what can be a wonderful time for some people can be a difficult time for others, like our veterans.
“I don’t want to make really big, sweeping generalizations about the way it is for everybody, because some folks are just fine. But I do think, particularly with the veterans that I serve who are dealing with substance use disorders and PTSD, there could be some specific problems that are a lot more likely to pop up during the holidays,” said Phil Lehman, who is the chief of residential programs for PTSD and substance use disorders with the VA Salem Healthcare System.
Suicide Prevention Coordinator Michael Gartland, who is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, also said he’s noticed the holidays can be challenging for veterans.
Gartland said he’s seen an uptick since spring. He said the VA Salem Healthcare System is looking at about 40 to 50 people at an increased risk, right now.
Gartland said he hasn’t had a problem with mental health. However, he has noticed something that comes up a lot, with veterans who are struggling, is social isolation.
“We work with a lot of folks who have lost people or have people who are not in their life for one reason or another that are struggling right now,” said Gartland.
Both Gartland and Lehman said there are several warning signs to pay attention to including isolation and irritability. Someone might also stop doing some of the things that they love, especially if they have a drinking or drug problem.
“One of the main symptoms of substance use disorders is that everything or many of the things that are important to someone fade away and their life may begin to revolve more and more around the use of substances, the recovery from use, and seeking out the substance,” said Lehman.
They encourage anyone who is struggling to call 988 option 1, which is the national veterans crisis line.
Several resources are available at the VA Salem Healthcare System including residential programs for substance abuse and PTSD.
There are also peer support specialists.
David Harrison, who is an army veteran, has worked as a peer support specialist for 20 years. He said a challenge for him was his mental health. While working for the VA, he helps other veterans with their mental health.
Harrison facilitates l groups and provides encouragement to vets.
“The big focus is on the recovery story. Using my own recovery story to be able to inspire and encourage other veterans. We don’t want to really stay too stuck on the illness story that message of hope is what we want to concentrate on,” said Harrison.
Gartland said he has helped hundreds of veterans while working at the VA for 20 years.
“Watching veterans who’ve come in who’ve experienced mental health struggles become homeless or dealt with substance use disorders, I think that seeing them be able to put their lives back together it’s a pretty frequent thing I’ve experienced while working at the VA,” said Harrison.