Hi Bernadette,

Are you getting treatment for depression and PTSD? I'm very sorry that your brother died in such a tragic way. The good thing is that you are taking time out of your life to support others at the same time that you are in mourning. And the biggest support is always self.

Grief is so much like school. We are constantly learning how to recreate ourselves to adjust to the long stretches of painful memories. Please keep opening up with your feelings though. I hope for you a spark of relief real soon. Let's just keep in mind that our loved ones are in a better place now and with the Lord. God is comforting your brother now. And your brother is always present in your heart. When we believe that death is a feeling of peace, and we may not always understand the changes it brings on, then we can operate out of a personal belief system, of which is a type of system where we can only do for ourselves what is practical for our own healing and not what others tell us to expect of it.

Dealing with grief takes time, Bernadette, and it is an inner journey of emotional ups and downs for the rest of life. An important recovery is in finding out who you are because of it. This is a habit. But it does not have to burden you. Please stay involved in grief therapy, that is, if you have already begun this process of grieving.

God's love to you today. Many hugs!

Hello Burnadette,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My brother (in-law) died tragically in 2017 as well. One of the best things that I did was to seek counseling. I would encourage you, if you are not already, to seek the help of a licensed counselor. Your counselor may be able to recommend some grief support groups. I know that griefshare is a popular one, but the therapist may be able to recommend some more. Have your siblings sought any help? Have they found it to be helpful?
I know that the community at my church really helped me in my healing. One particular Sunday, I came to church late because I did not want to talk to anybody, I cried most of the way to church. A sweet lady that I knew asked if she could give me a hug. She came and sat with me and prayed for me. I cherish that memory and found comfort in the way that God brought people around me to help me process the grief. Praying that you feel His comfort as well.

Big hug Bernadette.... I am so very sorry for your loss and pain

We have a good PTSD board on here that's active if you wanted to take a peek..... xo

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your brother. I would like to offer my condolences for your loss and pain. You must have been shocked and devastated, and it is certainly not surprising to have PTSD after this ordeal. When my father passed away, I was so much shocked, devastated and in pain that I could not continue with my university course at the time. When someone that you love has died, you feel devastated, depressed, and abandoned. I could not overcome the shock from the loss of my father that I was diagnosed with PTSD in the years that followed his passing.

I remembered how I took solace in religion, in reading the Bible, in going to church. I obtained much comfort and solace from God. My family was not helpful and supportive whilst I experienced the various stages of grief, but after discussing my grief with my online support groups, I felt much better to return to my normal routines and my work. Perhaps a grief counselor can help you to overcome your grief. We may not forget our loss and grief, but at least, the intensity of our pain and grief is lessened over the passage of time.

I pray that God will comfort your soul. Marie

Sending gentle hugs

I lost my brother to alcoholism.. ? Uhhh it’s hard to feel so lost without it and in a way I’m dyin too but I dunno ??? Either