EOTSC20151006 VA hours

The recent tragic event at Umpqua Community College has left the entire community in a state of profound grief. It has been reported that a number of Veterans have been triggered by the events and have reached out for mental health services at the VA.

For many veterans, the tragedy may trigger symptoms of PTSD days, weeks, or months after the event.

The VA Roseburg Healthcare System and Douglas County Veterans Forum want our veterans to know that help is available.

In the wake of a traumatic event, symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience intense feelings immediately, while others may experience symptoms months and or years later, if at all.  Following traumatic events, people may feel fear, guilt, grief, panic, irritability, intense anger, overwhelmed, loss of emotional control, and may have inappropriate emotional responses. Be aware of what’s normal for you. If you continue to experience emotions, sleep patterns, and behaviors that aren’t normal for you and are causing you distress, seek help. Keep an eye on what’s normal for your close friends, family, and co-workers, listen, and encourage them to seek help if their symptoms are causing distress and not improving over time.

The VA Mental Health Division has walk-in hours weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be contacted at 541-440-1257.

If you know a veteran who needs help, please encourage them reach out. The VA and DCVF are here to help.