Ketamine, suicidal veterans and the San Diego VA

The veteran suicide rate in 2017 was about 28 per 100,000 veterans — a noticeable difference when compared to the national average of 18 per 100,000 people.

For several years, dozens of San Diego veterans with treatment-resistant depression relied on ketamine to ease their symptoms and curb their suicidal impulses.

The San Diego VA in October 2019 began pulling these men and women off ketamine to put them on an alternative drug called Spravato.

inewsource began investigating the VA’s decision in May. We’ve since found the agency lied about its reasons behind taking veterans off the drug and ignored advice and warnings about the repercussions.

One retired Navy and Marine pilot who’d been receiving the treatment wrote in an email before taking her own life that the VA’s decision had pushed her over the edge. 

Several veterans at various stages in their transition off ketamine want to share their stories with the public. They’d like to provide a first-hand look at how they’re grappling with a sometimes crippling psychiatric disorder while having to fight for their own healthcare within the VA system.

Reporter Brad Racino and photojournalist Zoë Meyers have teamed up to tell these stories in a series we’re calling Veterans Voices.

The series include accounts of veterans suffering from suicidal thoughts. Those who read, hear or listen to the pieces should know 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. Other resources are available here. 

Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter: #VAketamine.