Kiaya Bender is one of the dozens of veterans who the San Diego VA sent to Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute in La Jolla to receive ketamine treatments for depression. For Bender and others, the treatments have been “life-saving.” In October, the VA notified staff at Kadima that it would no longer authorize ketamine treatments outside of the VA Medical Center, sending a ripple of fear through Kadima’s office and its patients.

Bender’s treatments are scheduled to end in November. In this video, the first in a series about the Marine veteran, he discusses his history with depression and how ketamine has affected his life.

This video includes accounts from a veteran who has suffered from suicidal thoughts. Those who watch it should know that help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or the San Diego Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.

Zoë Meyers is a photo and video journalist at inewsource. Zoë loves working as a visual journalist because it gives her the privilege of witnessing moments in people's personal lives and in our community that can enhance our understanding of important stories. When she's not behind the camera, Zoë...