My brother dropped a bomb on me Fri morning. He swore me to secrecy about it, but I need help in helping him. He told me he’d had suicide thoughts recently. Tonight I emailed him, directing him to call his own shrink right away. Hopefully I ddin’t overreact. I didn’t think it fair of him to burden me like this and then just go away. Do you think I did the right thing?
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Yes! I think you did the right thing! Did he call his shrink?
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I won’t know until he emails me back or calls me. It’s late here: past 1am.
You did what you could. It’s not easy dealing with such things when you have your own issues. Hope it all pans out well. I know it’s a stupid question but does your brother have mental health issues? Is this something new?
Either way it’s still a lot for you to deal with and you did well. A professional should be involved!
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He’s a 65yo with similar alcoholic background to mine. He’s battled with depression a lot. No, not sz or anything, tho. He’s 14 years my elder. Lived quite a successful life, with two grownup boys and more wealth than I ever dreamed of. Still he is unhappy.
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I’ve some depressives in my family. My dad is a classic case but he isn’t someone to say such things. That is another level.
It’s not normal to think such things and that is the key. Do what you can to get him into some treatment. It really is important but you have your own issues so don’t be critical.
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He’s been in therapy for 5 years or more, so that much is set up. He tends to bounce a lot off of me, which sometimes is more than I can deal with, as you suggested.
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Set some boundaries.
It isn’t cool to burden you with such things and he should be aware of that. You have enough problems of your own.
All relationships are complicated. There is usually no right or wrong but it’s ok to look out for yourself. Usually it’s the best policy!
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Roger that! Thanks. I was afraid I was being too self-concerned. Boundaries are a thing I definitely will work on.
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Yeah it is good to call him
Hope he ll be ok
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yeah it sounds like the right thing to do, letting him know he should let a professional know.
I just spoke with him a while ago on the phone. He does tell everything to his shrink as well. He sounded in a good mood and told me not to worry. I guess that’s that for now.
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