Bluebird15Senior Contributor
Brother's depression - don't know what to do
Hi all,
I'm so sorry I haven't checked in for a couple of months, but I think of this community often..
Am also sorry if I'm in the wrong 'spot' - if so, maybe someone can re-direct me ? I'm not a full time carer but I'm a sister with a brother who I care for who has major depression and has been confiding in me more and more. Some of you already know my story from previous posts..
My gosh, early this morning I came off a 3 hour phone call to him. He's on such a low. It's been triggered by his appointment with his psychiatrist and compounded by a disagreement with my dad.
I wish so much that he'd speak with a psychologist. I'm a 'listening ear' but hen he's like this, I can only offer basic advice - I don't have the skills or training for more.
I know he knows that but he probably just venting but the amount of stuff he was telling me was mind blowing and overwhelming. Negative stuff from past, present and future.
I have been trying (along with his psych ) to get him to talk to a professional but of course he's just not keen.
He's 'off' his phych as he challenges him and he does not like that. Psych has a very direct manner and as my brother says, not much empathy. Surely there are ways to encourage someone to expand their life without making, as my brother puts it, guilty, pathetic, like a burden on others and the list goes on...
He's envious of my life as his is just so opposite. I'm blessed with a great life but it hurts when I ge tells me how 'sick' he feels when he hears that we are going on a family holiday or anything. I usually don't tell him highlights of my life for fear of making him feel bad...
My brain is scrambled as he's off loaded to me . I don't know how else to help. He doesn't see much hope for his future. He's angry and defeated.
He's in a lot of physical pain too due to chronic illness.
I know my priority is my own kids and husband but I can't help but want to help even if it's offering a ear to listen but this negativity is starting to really affect me.
So sorry for rambling however I have found the responses from the lovely people from this community really helpful in the past.
From Bluebird
I'm so sorry I haven't checked in for a couple of months, but I think of this community often..
Am also sorry if I'm in the wrong 'spot' - if so, maybe someone can re-direct me ? I'm not a full time carer but I'm a sister with a brother who I care for who has major depression and has been confiding in me more and more. Some of you already know my story from previous posts..
My gosh, early this morning I came off a 3 hour phone call to him. He's on such a low. It's been triggered by his appointment with his psychiatrist and compounded by a disagreement with my dad.
I wish so much that he'd speak with a psychologist. I'm a 'listening ear' but hen he's like this, I can only offer basic advice - I don't have the skills or training for more.
I know he knows that but he probably just venting but the amount of stuff he was telling me was mind blowing and overwhelming. Negative stuff from past, present and future.
I have been trying (along with his psych ) to get him to talk to a professional but of course he's just not keen.
He's 'off' his phych as he challenges him and he does not like that. Psych has a very direct manner and as my brother says, not much empathy. Surely there are ways to encourage someone to expand their life without making, as my brother puts it, guilty, pathetic, like a burden on others and the list goes on...
He's envious of my life as his is just so opposite. I'm blessed with a great life but it hurts when I ge tells me how 'sick' he feels when he hears that we are going on a family holiday or anything. I usually don't tell him highlights of my life for fear of making him feel bad...
My brain is scrambled as he's off loaded to me . I don't know how else to help. He doesn't see much hope for his future. He's angry and defeated.
He's in a lot of physical pain too due to chronic illness.
I know my priority is my own kids and husband but I can't help but want to help even if it's offering a ear to listen but this negativity is starting to really affect me.
So sorry for rambling however I have found the responses from the lovely people from this community really helpful in the past.
From Bluebird
