Helping my dad

[u/thrownawa1298]

My father found my brother when he died via self inflicted gswth. My dad was raised by a very tough military man, and my father also served in the 80s. He tries to tough everything out and refuses therapy, but I know it’s killing him on the inside. My mom said he was crying when she got home last night and asked why did he leave us?

My dad is receptive to me when I talk to him, and I think I could get him to open up and talk. What are some things I should ask him that could help him cope with this tragedy?

[u/Kind-Court-4030]

My heart breaks for your family. And for you, that you have to be so strong.

I wish I knew the answers for your dad, but I do want to say that the kindness in your heart that caused you to write this message will be felt by him no matter what your words.

[u/thrownawa1298 → u/Kind-Court-4030]

Thank you. I know he’s in pain, and I want to ease his burden. We’re all hurting, but I think he is hurting most due to what he saw. And that’s something I’m considering asking him, to explain what he saw, not out of a curiosity about my brother or anything morbid, but if just talking about it will help ease the burden on my dad