https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/supporting-family-and-friends/getting-help-where-to-start-when-not-nearby/m-p/482470#M14666 <P>Hi</P> <P>My brother lives in a different state far away from all family and only has one friend nearby. His friend is supporting him but contacted me as his depression and behaviour are concerning him.</P> <P>I know he needs a proper assessment and treatment. How can I bring this up, support him and ensure he follows through? I don't know where to start and am very concerned for him.</P> <P>thank you.</P> Sat, 23 Nov 2019 20:42:43 GMT Jkl123 2019-11-23T20:42:43Z https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/supporting-family-and-friends/getting-help-where-to-start-when-not-nearby/m-p/482470#M14666 <P>Hi</P> <P>My brother lives in a different state far away from all family and only has one friend nearby. His friend is supporting him but contacted me as his depression and behaviour are concerning him.</P> <P>I know he needs a proper assessment and treatment. How can I bring this up, support him and ensure he follows through? I don't know where to start and am very concerned for him.</P> <P>thank you.</P> Sat, 23 Nov 2019 20:42:43 GMT https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/supporting-family-and-friends/getting-help-where-to-start-when-not-nearby/m-p/482470#M14666 Jkl123 2019-11-23T20:42:43Z https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/supporting-family-and-friends/getting-help-where-to-start-when-not-nearby/m-p/482471#M14667 <P>Hi Jkl123,</P> <P>Thanks for sharing your story with us. It can be hard supporting a person with a mental health condition when they are living in the same house as us, let alone a person who is some distance away.</P> <P>I'm making suggestions as they come to mind. Are you able to talk to your brother. Maybe just contact him and have a general chat, then ask how he is getting on and does he need any help.</P> <P>As a person suffering from depression, I will often lie and tell people I am okay when deep inside I am struggling like crazy. That can be part of depression.</P> <P>The Beyond Blue website has information on how to assist a person with depression, you may find some suggestions that will work over the distance.</P> <P>Maybe you could Google to see what facilities/professionals are available where your brother lives. Do you know if he has a regular Dr? Can you ask him to visit the Dr for your own sense of wellbeing?</P> <P>There can be a fine line between wanting to help a person and having the person push you away. Hope you manage to find the right balance.</P> <P>If your brother's friend is really concerned, maybe ask if he is prepared to call an ambulance if he feels life is getting too difficult for your brother. </P> <P>The ambulance people do not have to take your brother to hospital, but it may be a chance to keep him safe if required and start the ball rolling to his receiving help. If necessary the police may be able to assist as well.</P> <P>I really hope your brother is open to chatting with you openly.</P> <P>Wishing you all the best from Dools</P> <P> </P> Mon, 25 Nov 2019 04:46:45 GMT https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/supporting-family-and-friends/getting-help-where-to-start-when-not-nearby/m-p/482471#M14667 Doolhof 2019-11-25T04:46:45Z