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Monday, November 09, 2009 cj asks

Q: im trying to help an old war veteran

i know a man thats a veteran and we have had a few 2-3 hour long conversations and he told me his life story. everything in his life has been taken from him, but his wife whose 45th b-day was today. she has altimers and is in really bad shape, she know longer has any recolection of anything. i didnt know this and went to pick him up to go see her and he started crying and said "i no longer have a wife". we talked for awhile and he basically said once she dies im going to go join her. he told me he carved his name in to a bridge when she had first went to the nurseing home over 8yrs ago and i fear for him, im only 18 and have little knowledge and understanding of what hes been through. i have done everything i know to do, now i need some help on what else i could do to help him.

  Thank you for any advice you can offer.

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Answers (1)
Merely Me, Health Guide
11/ 9/09 10:00pm

Hi there

 

How did you come to meet this man?  Do you think he is in danger of suicide?  Remember that as much as you want to help you are not responsible for making things all better.  This is a very difficult and complex situation.

 

Does this man have any other family?  Children? 

 

How about if you start by calling this number and explaining the situation and see what guidance they give.  This is the National Alliance on Mental Illness

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

 

Let us know if you need any more information or assistance.

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By cj— Last Modified: 12/01/10, First Published: 11/09/09