PTSD and death in the family

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Roanoke

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Got a call this morning that my brother died unexpectedly. Here is my concern; his son suffers from PTSD due to a IED in Afghanistan and I could use some help with dealing with him as I feel he is going to turn to me. I myself am still numb from the call.

Thanks for any suggestions and prayers
 
Prayers for you and your family. Advice? Never having served I don't feel qualified to offer any. I do know that my father never would speak of his time in service in WWII and I am not sure that he was not just protecting a very young son from the horrors of war. Best I can say is just be there for him when he needs you and let him know you are there.
 
Sorry for your families loss.
Only advice I can give is to talk and listen.
 
My condolonces for your loss. @ronn47 has posted excellent advice.

No one can "know" what to do in a situation like this. Being there for your extended family, listening, and sharing your honest thoughts (gently) is all anyone could do. Go through this together with them. Prayers up.
 
My prayers are with you and your family. PTSD requires attention, empathy, and and understanding of the needs of the individual. No one can give you "blanket" advice about your nephew. You have to focus on being in tune with him and how he processes his particular type of suffering. I wish I could help more, but I honestly believe that no one knows better what to do than you do -- if you're in tune with him. Just be there for your nephew (it's a full-time job!), and be patient.
 
Sorry for your loss, prayers for all touched by this for comfort and healing.
 
If he is already seeing someone (at the VA,or in private practice)let them know what has happened.Offer to spend as much time with him as you can up to your own mental health and stability(you suffered a HUGE loss as well).
Other than that maybe speak to a professional about it and watch for clues he is coming unglued(hope not).
Do the best that you can and if it is above your capability then don't be afraid to ask for help.

May not be an issue but consider securing any of your brother's guns for a while.

Sorry for your loss and allow yourself time to grieve also.
 
Prayers for you and the family for comfort in the difficult situation.
It has been said already, prolonged therapy from a good therapist does wonder.
 
I live with someone diagnosed with PTSD. The diagnosis came after the sudden death of a family member. That family member would have been 21 today.

Living with someone with the disorder is definitely challenging. I have to be careful of what I say and how I say it. We don't watch network television anymore and seldom even watch movies together. When we're outside, we're kind of on edge because there is shooting all around us. When it happens, I'm usually left outside, while my wife runs inside. Sometimes, if I follow her in, I may find her crying, or I may not.

Do I have any advice? Honestly, no. I only know what I do in my situation because it's been five years in the making.

I'm sorry for your loss, and I would just say be there for your nephew in the best manner you possibly can.
 
So sorry for your loss. Keep an eye on your nephew but give him space to process this loss in his own way. He will likely shut down and close off the outside world for a time. The most important time to keep an eye on him will be in a few weeks/mths after the intital shock of loosing his father sets in. I don't claim to be an expert on PTSD but do have some experience helping a very close friend that suffered 6 TBIs while serving in the 75th Rng Rg. Feel free to PM if there is anything I can do to help. Remeber to take care of yourself during this time----it is next to impossible to help someone process loss when you are still grieving,
 
I'm very sorry for your loss.

Get professional help if you see things going sideways. There are people trained in how to help.

Take care of yourself, while trying to take care of others. At times you may need to distance yourself, so that you can process things for your own well-being. It's hard to do that sometimes.

I'm praying for all of you, that you're able to get what help and comfort you need. Ask for help if you need it.
 
Heartfelt prayers for God's peace, comfort, and strength. As has been shared above, you will likely be a welcome listening ear for your nephew and he will look to you for strength. Do involve any counselors he has been seeing and also make any clergy close to the family aware. This will likely be a team effort. God bless you as you struggle through your own grief.
 
Thanks for everyone's prayers and support. On Saturday; 4 great nieces got to ride what they called the Big horse (she is a tall paint horse) and had lots of fun. Nephew and niece got to shoot some because my niece supposedly had lost her touch. Fun for all. Yesterday was the funeral and everyone seemed to do OK.
I know emotionally we are not out of the woods yet and truly appreciate everyone's help. You're one great group of people!

Thank You
 
My condolences for your families loss.

I’ve no experience with PTSD, just sharing some encouraging developments.
Ivy League medical schools with support from the FDA and the military are having much success treating PTSD, alcoholism, smoking, debilitating depression, etc with hallucinogenic therapy and trans cranial magnetism.
Start @ 1:40
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tim-ferriss-show/id863897795?i=1000447061763

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-
tim-ferriss-show/id863897795?i=1000449239422

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tim-ferriss-show/id863897795?i=1000444515422
 
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Condolences sir. Never easy when losing a brother who you shared so much childhood with. It’s a gut punch. As for the nephew, call often. Offer a shoulder to cry on. Understand his mental journey but encourage him to be busy at all times and stay involved with people.
 
I'm glad things are evening out a bit. Keep an eye on each other, and lean on friends when you need to.
 
Roanoke said:
Today marks a month since my brother's passing. I am glad to say it seems that my family and I are adjusting well. Thank you all for your prayers and support.
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I’m happy to hear you and the family are coping. God’s grace is amazing.
 
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