Coworker's Brother (warning: tragic)

[Dave1982]

Last night, just before we were ready to lock up and leave for the night, Dale - one of my colleagues - received a frantic, distraught, and unintelligible call from his mother. When he finally got of the phone he just stared at his phone until Focker finally asked what the problem was.

Dale: I think my brother just died.....



Needless to say he had to leave immediately, so we didn't get the full story then, but it didn't sound good, because apparently his brother had been missing for two days.

Just a little while ago I got a text from Angelica.....

His brother committed suicide. And his brother's wife either just had a baby or has a baby on the way.

This strikes especially close to home for me even though I'd never met Dale's brother since - if you've been following my threads - I just started depression counseling myself. We're all very concerned for Dale since he's been having his own issues, and we're worried this might just push him over the edge.

[Nurian]

Oh damn. That's so terrible.

[ArcticChicken]

That.....that really sucks.

[El Pollo Guerrera]

Damn...

All I can say is that my prayers are going out to Dale and his family.

[fireheart]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Prayers and thoughts for his family.

Also, from a health perspective, I'd strongly recommend that Dale receive counselling either through the EAP program or through any bereavement or suicide specialist programs. Often the latter will provide assistance for family members with the same issues.

If you do fear for his mental health or he starts attempting suicide at work, call for an ambulance immediately.

[Dave1982]

unfortunately I can't do anything for him right now because I'm 800 miles away in west Virginia. but I do have the counselng number I could send him

[tropicsgoddess]

Oh wow.... ...my condolences

[Bella_Vixen]

Oh, dear.

My condolences.

[fireheart]

unfortunately I can't do anything for him right now because I'm 800 miles away in west Virginia. but I do have the counselng number I could send him

Do it. Or even if there are phone counselling services available, send those to him as well.

[phantasy]

Is there maybe a mutual friend that lives near him? If you're not with him, make sure theres someone ese who can watch over him, at least for a little while, until he gets himself together.

[Exaspera]

This is so very sad.

[Caffienated_Caramel]

losing a loved one is always sad. My prayers go out to the family

[Taboo]

=( I'm so sorry...

There are tons of helplines and internet communities and online listing of in-person grief groups and counselors. It might not be something he's ready to take advantage of right away but if you make up a list for him, that's something you can do from that far away. And tell him you're there if he needs you, and mean it. Knowing you have someone who will take your call even if it's late at night and literally all you need to do is cry... just knowing that can be a lifesaver.

And if at some point you feel he's in serious danger of hurting himself, call someone. Call his family or a local friend or if all else fails call 911. A friend did this for me when I was incredibly depressed. At the time, I was angry that they'd done that and been presumptuous to assume they knew what was best for me... but now I'm so grateful they did. I wasn't actually at risk then but knowing people were that worried was a kick to go back into therapy and get better.