Brother suicidal

[Bear Spud]

Hello everyone.

I think I’m just seeking advice on what I can personally do in this situation. My brother has severe and untreated mental health issues. He’s always been completely adverse to seeking assistance and over the past 8 years or so has been erratic and very hurtful to those closest to him, including myself. I’ve been estranged from him for 3 years now, as have other family members. My parents told me, whom he is currently in adhoc contact with, that they have called on Emergency services support and police in recent months. He’s in a very bad way. My primary focus is to help my parents as they are the only ones at the coal face so to speak. They have sought counselling finally to help support themselves. But I’m wondering what I can do specifically to help them, and also my one brother who is actually overseas but still in contact with him. Im not sure what else to add here. Thank you for “listening”. 

[geoff]

Hello Bear Spud, thanks for posting your message and do know that when people are feeling this way that's exactly what they want, no assistance or help because they don't believe anything is wrong or that they can fix this themselves, something that seems to lock them into believing that they know best, unfortunately this is incorrect and somehow we have to try and find a crack where we can then discuss their situation with us.

That's certainly not easy.

You know that when someone is suffering from any mental illness, they can make comments back to anyone that may appear to be 'mean', but it's this illness causing them to do this.

Your parents will need all the support but sometimes it's just about listening to what they want to talk about, counselling can provide them with solutions and ways to cope.

I hope this thread can continue because I've only touched the surface here.

Geoff.

Life Member.