Don't know what to do!

[Georgia05]

Hi everyone. I need your help! My brother (27yrs) had an episode of psychotic depression at the end of last year. He was hospitalised for a almost two weeks and since then he has been under antidepressant medication, he has been seen by an assessment team once a month and he used to visit a psychologist. He has been straggling since then. The episode was prompt by an incidence at work. After few sessions with the psychologist he decided to go back to work part time and try to face his fears. However that did not really help him. He doesn't seem to be able to control his stress, he is overthinking, he hasn't been able to sleep well for over 4 months. Also, he is doubting as to whether he has depression or not which sometimes makes it difficult for him to keep up with his medication as well as with seeing a psychologist. At the moment his in a dilemma between staying at work and try to take on responsibilities or to take a year off. He has been forth and back with this dilemma the past month. He is quite withdrawn, he seems lost in his thoughts and very anxious and hopeless. He doesn't want to speak to a helpline because he is afraid that by doing so they will take him back to the hospital. Similarly with his case worker, he doesn't want to talk to them because he is afraid they will give him more medication or take him back to the hospital. We don't know what to do help him!!!

[pipsy]

Hi Georgia05. I'm sorry to hear of your brother's distress. His work situation is not helping and returning to work so soon obviously wasn't a good decision. Maybe it might be an idea to see if he could get his Dr to sign a certificate giving him some stress leave. It does sound like depression, but his Dr would be able to determine for sure. Try to get him to see his Dr and ask about stress leave till he is in a better frame of mind. While he is on AD's, plus seeing a psychologist, he needs to be monitored. I understand his reluctance to be re-admitted to a hospital but I can't see them doing that unless he is feeling suicidal, which from what you say he isn't. If necessary you could accompany him.

Lynda

[blondguy]

Hello Goergia05

Welcome to the forums

I am really sorry about what you and your brother are going through right now...This is a difficult situation. I have had depression and anxiety for many years and understand where you are coming from.

The psychologist is a trained health professional. I am not. However its just my very humble opinion that some good quality rest and regular counseling may be a good idea for your brother right now.

Just some basic help if thats okay.....He doesnt have to go back to hospital if he chooses to call the Beyond Blue support line...(or any help line for that matter) Our counselors are there to listen...Your brother has nothing to lose and everything to gain by doing so.

Even if you call the BB support line yourself on 1300 22 4636 they will help you help your brother right now. They are super kind counselors that are non judgemental and will provide the help you need.

He is doubting whether he has depression or not...It can be very confusing especially to your brother and what he has been going through.

The meds are there to help him build a platform on which he can heal. They are not a total fix.

Going back to work is a good idea for some people so that they can 'face their fears'. Your brother may need a good rest away from work...just my opinion of course.

Does your brother have a good GP that he gets along with reasonably well?

There are many kind people on the forums that can be here for you and your brother Georgia..no worries there....My advice right now is a call to the BB support line and weekly visits to even his GP would make a huge difference. Nobody can 'make him' go back to a mental health clinic if he doesnt wish to.

You are more than welcome to post back as many times as you wish Georgia

You and your brother are not alone here..

My Kind thoughts to you and your brother

Paulx