“If you close yourself off, you can go insane.” The Story of Veteran Platoon Sergeant Denys

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union under the EU4Youth programme. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, EU4Youth, or any of the programme’s implementing partners. The publication addresses sensitive topics related to war, trauma, and rehabilitation, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Denys was only 21 years old when he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2014, volunteering for the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO).

“I don’t have any close relatives; I’m an orphan and only have my aunt,” Denys says. “She asked me, ‘Why are you getting involved in this? What good will it do you?’ But I was stubborn. My mind was made up – I was going.”

Military service quickly drew Denys in. He felt he was doing something meaningful, finding his purpose within a strong team, with career prospects, while still having the opportunity to visit his family.

In February 2022, Platoon Sergeant Denys and his comrades were awaiting their next rotation, preparing to return home after six months on the frontline. Instead, they were among the first to face the full-scale Russian invasion near Avdiivka.

 “Fierce fighting broke out,” Denys recalls. “The ground was shaking. Planes, missiles – it was terrifying. Many of our soldiers were killed there.” Denys was fortunate to survive, but he sustained a serious leg injury during one of the brutal battles in the Luhansk region.

“I’m missing four centimetres from two bones in my leg, and metal rods are now inside,” Denys explains. “I spent six months in hospital in Rivne. Afterwards, I was bedridden at home for a long time, and my muscles wasted away. I couldn’t even stand on the injured leg.”

The long and difficult recovery took a significant toll on Denys’s mental health. He felt apathetic, rarely went outside, even on crutches, and barely spoke to anyone. People around him often irritated him. “I was slowly losing my mind,” he admits with a sad smile.

Many veterans find themselves in similar situations after service or injury; prolonged isolation and constant reminders of trauma can severely worsen their condition.

 “A lack of timely psychological support can contribute to chronic depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” explains Lyudmyla Sviridova, psychologist at “Checkpoint”. “Unresolved psychological issues can complicate relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, causing isolation and conflict. Without adequate support, some veterans turn to alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms. Chronic stress and psycho-emotional strain can also lead to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other physical health issues.”

Unfortunately, not all service personnel seek psychological help, even when it is available. Many hesitate out of fear of stigma, feelings of weakness, or sheer exhaustion. Denys himself initially refused even to visit a rehabilitation specialist.

“A friend messaged me about a rehab centre opening in Zaporizhzhia,” Denys remembers. “She urged me, ‘Go; maybe they can help you.’ But at that time, I wanted nothing more than to stare at the ceiling.”

Eventually, Denys found the motivation and strength to approach the “Checkpoint” Rehabilitation Space, largely thanks to his friend’s persistent encouragement.

 “I ignored her suggestion for about two weeks,” Denys recalls. “But she kept asking, ‘Have you gone yet?’ She kept nagging me until I finally decided to give it a go. Once I got there, I liked it and began attending regularly.”

With the help of Iryna, a physical rehabilitation specialist at “Checkpoint”, Denys made significant progress. “Massages and intensive work on my leg and back made a huge difference,” he says gratefully.

Encouraged by these improvements, Denys didn’t stop. Together with his wife, he joined a gym and began training with coach Dmytro. They still attend sessions regularly. In addition, Denys has started psychotherapy with Lyudmyla Sviridova, the centre’s psychologist.

“Initially, I thought, ‘Why would I need a psychologist? What good could that possibly do?’ But our conversations turned out to be enjoyable and genuinely helped me to release emotional tension.”

Working with the psychologist gradually restored Denys’s energy and rekindled his interest in life. Once withdrawn, he became an active member of his local community – he now helps maintain the neighbourhood and has even launched a TikTok blog to share his rehabilitation journey and inspire fellow veterans.

“It’s an amazing experience,” Denys enthuses. “I recommend everyone not to be afraid. Go, meet the specialists at the Rehabilitation Space. They’re wonderful and can help you with anything – whether it’s starting a business, solving a legal issue, or receiving counselling from psychologists. You must give it a try, because staying home alone really can drive you mad.” Denys’s growing online presence has already had an impact, encouraging several veterans and their families to approach the “Checkpoint” Rehabilitation Space.

“People started coming because of me,” Denys says with a smile. “Everyone’s going to the gym, to the lawyers and the psychologists, and enjoying it. They’re thanking me. It’s fantastic!”

Today, Denys has returned to work and leads an active lifestyle, but he still continues to visit the “Checkpoint” Rehabilitation Space. These days, it’s just to work out – and to say hello and chat with the staff.

 “They’re my friends,” Denys says warmly. “True friends.”

The “Checkpoint” project was co-funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. It was administered by the Central Project Management Agency of the Republic of Lithuania, with expert implementation support from the Open Lithuania Foundation. The project concluded in May, but the “Checkpoint” team continues to provide services to veterans, albeit in a different location.