MEEKER I On March 26, Dr. David Hildebrandt of the Grand Junction Veteran Center visited Meeker VFW Post No. 584 to evaluate the feasibility of providing ongoing counseling for Meeker veterans.
The new VFW is located at 290 Fourth St.
In the past, veterans have traveled to Grand Junction to avail themselves of this help and now these services will be offered in Meeker.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center program operates a system of more than 300 community-based counseling centers. The Vet Centers are staffed by small multi-disciplinary teams of dedicated providers, many of whom are veterans and combat veterans themselves.
Readjustment counseling provides a wide range of services to combat veterans looking to make a satisfying transition from military to civilian life, including: individual counseling; group counseling; marital and family counseling; bereavement counseling; assistance in applying for VA benefits; medical referrals/liaison with VA medical centers; employment referral; information and referral to community resources; sexual trauma counseling and referral; and community education
One of the most common problems veterans face is Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD).
PTSD is a normal set of reactions to trauma such as war, terror attack, or rape which could be experienced by anyone. In some cases, it becomes a Disorder (PTSD) with the passage of time when issues or feelings related to the trauma are not dealt with, but are suppressed by the individual.
This can result in problems readjusting to civilian life following the trauma. A delayed stress reaction may surface after many years and include some or all of the following problems: Anger, irritability, or rage; Feeling nervous or anxious; Depressed; Difficulty trusting others; Feeling guilt; Hyper-alertness and startle reactions; Feeling grief or sadness; Having thoughts or memories that will not go away; Isolation and alienation from others; Loss of interest in pleasurable activities; Low tolerance to stress and irritation, or apathy to life threatening events; Nightmares; Substance Abuse; and/or Trouble sleeping.
If you are a combat veteran and recognize any of these in yourself, please make the call, be evaluated and receive the free help. Additionally, The Vet Center offers help for any veteran transitioning from military to civilian life, including: individual counseling; group counseling; marital and family counseling; bereavement counseling; assistance in applying for VA benefits; medical referrals/liaison with VA medical centers; employment referral; information and referral to community resources; sexual trauma counseling and referral; and community education.
Beginning today and every two weeks hereafter, Dr. Hildebrandt and his team will provide services in Meeker.
Please call for an appointment at 970-245-4156 or email [email protected].
