A severe tragedy occurred yesterday for my family and my brothers wife Lynn. My youngest brother Joe has struggled with depression and alcohol and drug abuse most of his adult life. Since my mother passed away last May my brother has suffered silently with morbid depression and suicidal thoughts. His wife called me from Alabama last night crying to let me know that my brother  had committed suicide. People had tried to reach out to my brother and he had tried interventions but it was impossible to get him to communicate about his problems. Words can not express the grief and pain I am feeling. Joe and Lynn recently had to let their fitness center Total Bronze Fitness be sold because the economy in Alabama could not support the business expenses. Lynn and Joe were struggling to get back on their feet financially. They have no money to arrange for a funeral or memorial service. Please recognize depression as a serious and sometimes deadly disease. Please help my family  during this difficult time. Thank you.