Chris Bourque lost his battle to PTSD after Afghanistan

Concert to aid family of PTSD victim
Event set for Friday night By Jason Warick
The StarPhoenix
February 11, 2013

Co-workers thought Chris Bourque seemed fine when he returned from a mental health leave several months ago.

They knew Bourque was suffering from the effects of his military service in Bosnia and Afghanistan, but the Saskatoon correctional worker seemed "back to his old self," Mark Friesen said. He was dependable and hardworking, and never missed a chance to add a sarcastic comment or bit of wry humour.

"He never talked about (Afghanistan), and we didn't want to pry," Friesen said.

That's why Friesen was shocked by the phone call he received in late November informing him of Bourque's death.

"It hit me like a ton of bricks. It was surreal," Friesen said.

Bourque's wife, Gwen, who also served in Afghanistan, said in an email over the weekend her husband's death is still "too painful" to talk about. She said she trusted Friesen to speak on the family's behalf.

Friesen said Bourque killed himself because of the post-traumatic stress disorder acquired during his tours. The condition is common in those surrounded by danger or death such as soldiers. It causes changes in the body's hormones, chemistry and nerve response, creating anxiety, stress and other problems.
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