My Brother, a Veterans folow up

[ang1sgt]

To ALL,

This past weekend my Brother died, basically self-inflicted. He fought his battles in his mind alone with the help of a bottle and his smokes. He never sought out help for his demons. Always put his brave face to his brothers and family. I don't know what he went through in 68-69. I can imagine, but I can't even come close to knowing.

I want those that read this to know that there are others out there that may need help. If you see someone being self destructive, try and talk with them and if you can get them help through the VA or a support group of some sorts DO IT! Don't wait, don't!

While my brother was estranged from his family due to being states away, we still got together enough to know something was wrong. Gosh folks, don't let this happen to someone that is family or a friend, it's tough.

[Redleg]

Very sad and in these situations we often tend to second guess ourselves on what we could have done to prevent the loss.
The answer is likely, nothing.
If the person is living with us and is under professional care there may be hope, however there is no guarantee that a person suffering from either military related PTSD or pre-military bi-polar type disorder will survive without the proper supervision and medication.
The greatest problem in these situations, I think is that persons with these type of disorders tend to try and medicate themselves instead of getting the proper care they need.
Most states law will not confine them if they appear socially functionable and are not a visable danger to others or themselves.

I have read some opinions which state military service in a combat situations is not always the case of all PTSD victims, as is a pre-condition of either a chemical imbalance or borderline personality disorders prior to military service. This is not to say that what they have witnesses in combat or in a dysfunctional civilian life did not trigger the illness.

Sorry for your loss Top, and it is not easy to lose a family member no matter the circumstance.