need to talk about this...

[KarynEclipsed]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum...
My 15 year old brother is severly autistic and everyday he has these fits where he screams for hours, breaks things, bites himself, knocks over furniture, etc. Whenever this happens I get really upset... first I feel so angry that I want to punch him in the face, then I feel guilty for being so angry, and because I have anxiety problems other people's conflict makes me nervous, so I usually end up hiding from them. Sometimes I hurt myself to get rid of the stress I feel when he is screaming. I know this isn't a healthy way to cope with this, but I can't seem to deal with all the emotions I have about my brother. Every time I start thinking about him, and how he has no hope for the future, and how his illness has ruined our family, I get upset and start crying. I used to have a therapist, but we never really talked about him.
Does anyone else here have a similar problem? How do people cope with this type of thing in their family?

[high.hopes]

I can't say i have had a similar problem but i'm sure there's somebody on here who has! I just wondered, have you considered getting any further support for your anxiety?

Kia, <3

[KarynEclipsed]

I do take medication for it and it helps a lot but I still get nervous sometimes.

[Emsie]

My brother is has aspergers syndrome and, although he leads a relatively normal life now, it was especially bad when we were children so can understand how distressing and confusing it can be. Just try to remember your brother can't help his behaviour and having a caring, supportive sister could help. I can also sympathise with your frustration. It must be so hard having someone you care about so much behaving in this way. Is there anyway you could access a counselling service or even a local support group? Have you tried staying with your parents when he acts like this? Sometimes a hug and a few words of support could be all that is needed to help you stay strong through his "episodes".

Em x