Oh Silver, I think you hit the nail on the head.

Many people of that generation, with ties to such horrific history, have severe depressions. I imagine it is also too painful to see family after that time.

Is there a way you can talk to him about depression, without assigning this 'label' or diagnosis to him?

Sometimes, beginning a dialogue with someone like a parent, someone we love (and maybe even fear at times), can open up the eyes of understanding in such a way, we can appeal to them to be more gentle with themselves, and how their actions reflect their inner turmoil to others.
Just a hint, as I would do this only in the best circumstance, where it will be beneficial for both.

I might speak to my parents Dr., in private, about their yelling and screaming and ranking talks - which can not be good for their health whatsoever - and the Dr. can make sure he checks out some things next time he sees your Dad, or even get him in there sooner.

All in all, I hope things calm down somewhat.

Maybe you can buy a small windchime for outside the house or a special window, where your Dad sits at some point... it may calm him, and bring his attention to nature, outside.

Also, it helps to play healing music in the home, did you know that?

And a nice spray of lemon or oranges or lavender, ever so lightly, is calming also. You can even add some of these sprays to the bed linen laundry or directly spray the bed linens and curtains in Dad's (and yours) rooms.

These are calming, as well as fresh and clean scents ... only get naturals, not synthetics! Go to the health food store for them, or Trader Joe's has a great orange spray, so it cleans the air and leaves a wonderful scent only of a fresh cut orange.

The lavender also, is great in bedrooms, as it is a relaxing scent, that is helpful for sleeping or calming down. If that is too much trouble to locate, buying a lavender plant for each bedroom would be nice, and the corner of the living room too!

Lemon, or eucalyptus, is great for bathrooms... all of these natural essential oil sprays have healing properties, and they disinfect also.

An herbal plant, usually they are combinations, in the kitchen, or outside the kitchen, helps too. It can be used for cooking as well as adding life into the house, and oxygen.

Plants are wonderful to have around the house, healing ones especially!

So, Dad might find he is calmer and talks more softly, as you also, enjoy the warmth that nature is bringing indoors, just for pleasant moments and mood adjustments.

A little spray goes a long way!

Just some ideas ... hope you can use one or two.

Peace and love,
night

p.s. I'm glad you can talk about your Dad. These parents of ours are important in our lives, no matter what is or has gone on, if we understand them better, we definitely can understand things about ourselves and our responses, not to dwell on them, but only to learn and move forward... I must get ready for acupuncture, another idea for Dad and for you, if you haven't tried it yet, check out a TCM school near you, or ask the Dr. for a certified acupuncturist near you.

xoxoxoxoo