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Depressed Brother

  • 19-02-2011 9:28pm
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    My younger brother has been suffering on and off from depression for the last 2 years at least. He currently lives by himself in a foreign country, and I am constantly worried for him.
    I've told him I'm always here if he needs to speak, but he's usually pretty reserved. I only know about the depression because he told me one night he was back and we got fairly drunk, and he broke into tears saying that he's been depressed for some time, and he's been on anti depressents and they haven't been working, and that sometimes he feels like ending it all.

    The next day he was all apologetic for getting so emotional. I don't him not to worry, and that I'm here for him. Since then he hasn't mentioned it. And neither have I.

    I don't know what to do. Obviously he's a grown man I've gotta let him live his life, and he lives in a different country. But I'm petrified something will happen. Just thinking about it makes me shake. I think this every day, and I feel so helpless. I try and keep in touch. Do what I can. Can only see him in person a few times a year though, and from what I can see, he has been finding it hard making friends where he lives now. So I'm really worried it'll make his depression worse.

    I really don't know what to do.


Comments

  • #2
    cafecolour
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,328 ✭✭✭cafecolour


    Moving somewhere and not making mates is common and a definitely depressing. My best advice would be you to give some hints on meeting folks. Does he live in a country where he speaks the native language or no?


  • #3
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    As someone who has had depression on and off you could be a great help to him. I know my sisters are invaluable to me. Anyone with depression needs at least one person they can open up to. Its a great help and a great relief. Dont be afraid to raise this with him in a discrete way. It would help his problem and calm your fears. You could buy a book about it in the popular psychology or self help section of a bookstore - some books have a section on what a friend or relative can do. The best thing you can do is listen.


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