Vet And Post Traumatic Stress

[Kevin]

I don't know what else to do about this.

We have a Viet Nam era vet at the shop that is going off the deep end. He is 100% mentally disabled, but has been able to keep it together all these years, we never knew it was this bad. Since bin Laden was killed it has been downhill. I think he is mixing prescriptions and alcohol. Yesterday he left work at 2:00 and was still sitting in his car in his driveway at 9:00 last night. His girlfriend went over this morning to get him up and he had slept with his shoes on and would not get up. She has tried to get hold of his two daughters but hasn't heard anything yet.

I know we have a lot of vets on here, maybe somebody has a suggestion of how we might be able to help him get some help.

Thanks a million ,

Kevin

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Kevin, this is not so strange. Many guys after service are suffering and don't show it outwardly till it finally becomes disastrous. I would suggest that you get hold of A) the local service organization such as , or the Viet Nam Vets, American Legion and then also call the help line at your closest VA Hospital. Personally, I have had the best results from the Viet Nam Vets. If there is not a local, go on line to their home page. I believe it is VVA.org

You are right, he needs help before it gets worse.

Bob

[Kevin]

Thank you, sounds like a good start,

Kevin

[Big O]

If he has any friends around who've "been there", those are an excellent resource, as well.

There's a big difference between someone who's actually experienced it and some "expert" who's read all the books.....

[wolfe9]

Kevin that is all good advice , sent you a PM

[Johanna]

Bless you for caring enough to want to help. Too many people fall through the cracks because people look the other way. I hope you are able to find him some assistance so he can heal.

~J

[TwinOaks]

I don't know the perspective of a veteran, but I have had to deal with PTSD. Part of the issues I faced was not understanding what was 'wrong' inside. Having friends take note was immensely helpful, but even more so were the friends that when I said "Yeah, I'm okay" said "No. You're not."

Kudos to your and your friends/coworkers that can see that he has a problem and for wanting to help him get through it.

[rcsaddles]

I too want to thank you for your concern and willingness to help. I will be praying for the situation. Might not mean much to him but tell him there is a leather worker in Montana that says, "THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS COUNRTY." I sincerely mean that. I was not able to join the military because of knee problems. I make it a point to alwasy thank a Vet whenever I can.

Once again, I will be praying about the situation and please keep us posted.

[Kevin]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and concern, he has taken the big step and called the VA crisis line. They got him right in and he seems much better just for doing that.

I will tell him Joe, he lived near Red Lodge at some time.

Once again, Thank You very much,

Kevin