Has he completed his service obligations? Does he redeploy next year? Has he seen a military psychiatrist or psychologist yet? You don't have to answer these questions here. The reason I post these questions is because it is very important to begin the counseling while on active duty.

Right now, he probably is dealing with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), which is often successfully treated. Typically, these soldiers with ASD (if not obtaining patient-centered counseling) come back from war and avoid their painful issues through alcohol (or drugs). Doing that puts them in a higher risk category for developing PTSD.

I can't remember which military branch Josh serves. I'll guess Army or Army Reserves??? If so, please contact the Army's Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3) at 1-800-237-1336 ... (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday) and ask the counselor about an immediate psych eval referral.

If Josh is reluctant to go to counseling, then explain to him how important it is that something is documented in his military medical record before he leaves the service and becomes a veteran. So many soldiers think counseling is for the weak, so they suck up their pain until they break completely years later. This makes obtaining the assistance from the Veteran's Affairs (VA) difficult (time-consuming trying to get medical documentation). However, if the servicemember has medical documentation prior to discharge, it makes his/her case with the VA easier to proof service-connected disability.

I know a lot about this stuff. It broke my heart seeing so many soldiers suffering and sucking up their pain because they thought they were supposed to suck it up. There are mental health services. Don't give up. If you need more help, ask me or contact a Veteran's Service Organization at http://psychcentral.com/resources/detailed/4703.html

(((huggs)))