Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[acaringsister]

My brother has had a myriad of mental health issues all his life, and is currently in a down period. He has been suicidal and was going to attempt yesterday but got to the hospital and had another break down today.

Luckily I could come over with my Mum and see him and help but I am feeling very sad and upset for him and I just want everything to work out. He has had downs like this before but it’s very bad right now. I don’t know what to do other than go see him a lot and be there.

I guess I’m putting this out there to see if there’s any other sisters/brothers who are going trough the same thing and would love to speak and support each other.

Would also like advice on how to help him more.

Cheers

Acaringsister

[Faith-and-Hope]

Hi @acaringsister ..... and welcome to the forums 👋

My circumstances are very different, but I am both the wife and mother to family members struggling with mental health issues.  Suicide ideation is not part of what we have going on, but I feel for you and many others here who do have that particular element to try to cope with.

 I hope you find the forums helpful.  Please ask any questions you may have to help you find your way around, and I or someone else will help you with them.

🌷💜

[acaringsister]

I’m sorry to hear that 😞 I might get my Mum on this forum too as she needs support too. Thank you for welcoming me!

[JoeTheLion]

Hi @acaringsister,

Welcome to the forums.

What a difficult time for you and your Mum. You're brother is so very lucky to have you looking out for him. 

Suicide Helplines are there for you and your Mum to talk to about what is happening with your brother if you would like to talk it through. See below link:

https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

It's important to look after yourself and do things that help you to cope. Some time out doing things you like and keeping up with regular routines can also be very helpful.

I wish you all the best and hope things get better for your brother, yourself and the family.

Joe the Lion

[Faith-and-Hope]

Carers Hints and Tips for Success

Hi again @acaringsister .....

Click on the link above for a thread that may be helpful to you.  As @JoeTheLion said, looking after yourselves (you and your Mum) and seeking your own support as a carer is just as important as accessing as much help as you can for your brother.  “Carers burnout” is a real thing.  You have to keep the question, “Who is caring for the carer ?”  in mind in order to help safeguard your own mental health and well-being.

The Home page has a series of Discussion Topics laid out there, including one called Social Spaces.  It can be hard to think of socialising under such heart-breaking conditions, but these threads are actually about bonding with other carers who understand the trauma you are going through as a family, and how helpless you can feel as a carer, wanting to support your family member, but knowing also that they have to let you in, and struggle so hard themselves, that the relationships and bonds of love are under great strain.  

Other carers here can listen, answer what questions they can, empathise, offer advice according to what has helped them, including outside services that they may be aware of, and what sort of questions to ask health professionals.

The Search button can also help link you to others who are in a similar situation to your own, if you type in a key word or two.

Welcome again.  Feel free to ask questions .... and we would love to meet your Mum too ....

🌷💜

[Jojo2]

Hi @acaringsister

It nice to meet you

I have a suicidal brother. It's very hard to watch him go down this path...... the same path as I have gone down.
He is nearly 18 so he is only young but he has been like this since he was about 14. He refuses to get help and he believes there's nothing wrong with him.
I wish he would get help. My mum works away and he is left by himself for 2 weeks at a time and he get very lonely . And he has admitted that he has tried many times.

I don't know what to do for him other than be there for him. That's all I can do.

[Dixiegirl]

Hi @acaringsister

I am in the same position as you...and the reason I just joined up on here!

I am sorry that you are also experiencing these horrible times. I'm feeling just so helpless, worried and sad as well, so your not alone.

I don't know what to do anymore...there is only so much you can say or do unless they accept the fact they need help. But, if your anything like me, you don't want to give up and take no for an answer.

Your brother is lucky to have you both there for him!

I hope this helps in the way of letting you know that I am in the same position as you and also feeling overwhelmed and helpless....hope your doing ok x