Sibling seems to be getting really unwell, what's happening to him, what do I do now...
Hi everyone, I really need some advice...
My sibling's 19, and I've been noticing a little signs that something is off for quite a while, however for the past few months things seem to be getting even worse. He basically stopped going outside, became really really paranoid - every loud noise makes him jump, he always insists that all the windows needs to be closed because apparently 'he can't stand the noises, they are too loud', he also prefers to have curtains closed all the time because 'people can see him' which I think is kinda odd.. He actually spent most of his savings to buy the cctv, and he set it up by the house entrance. He looks depressed, talks about death all the time (not to me though, I admit that I've checked his internet history and chats)... He told me that he often sees stuff like spiders,and shadows, things changing shape and vanishing after a few seconds. When he reads, he sees the words differently at times - e.g. he said that he sees the word saying 'pretending' as a 'prostitute' etc. - generally, completely unlinked words, that change back to real words within two seconds. He complains about hearing weird noises like the buzzing sound quite often. And lately he's been drinking too much as well as taking sleeping pills. I know it's true that he has trouble sleeping - it's almost scary, when he doesn't take them he can be up all night, it's like he never sleeps. But he also takes them during the day because he says that they make him feel better. Another thing he told me is that he always feels 'empty', and that he 'lost all his feelings', I'm not entirely sure what he means by that. The weird thing is that sometimes, for short periods of time, like a day or two, or even a few hours he will get miraculously better and go meet his friends, party etc.
I am not sure what to do, as he refuses to see any kind of counselor.
What might be wrong with him? Could this behavior indicate some kind of a mental disorder? Might this be a really bad depression? And most of all, how do I convince him to get help?
Well we can't give diagnosis' so as far as what might be wrong with him, you'd have to ask a doctor. However, if you're really concerned maybe try having a major heart to heart with him. Have you really sat down and told him your concerns and asked if he thinks he's leading a happy life? In the end, even if you can get him into therapy, he's not going to get anything out of it unless he himself wants the help. I think the best thing you can do is talk to him and keep on the same brain level.
Has he told you why he doesn't feel able to go and see a counsellor? It may be helpful to know why. Unfortunately if he refuses help then there isn't a lot you can do.
It may help you to become more informed about mental health, as if you can start to understand how he feels, it will make things easier for the both of you.
Have you got any support to help you deal with how your brother being ill is impacting on you? It's important that you continue to take care of yourself.
'Cause I'll always remember you the same.
Oh eyes like wild flowers within demons of change ♥
Well we can't give diagnosis' so as far as what might be wrong with him, you'd have to ask a doctor. However, if you're really concerned maybe try having a major heart to heart with him. Have you really sat down and told him your concerns and asked if he thinks he's leading a happy life? In the end, even if you can get him into therapy, he's not going to get anything out of it unless he himself wants the help. I think the best thing you can do is talk to him and keep on the same brain level.
Yes, I know it's impossible to diagnose someone on internet but I was just wondering if depression may have similar symptoms, in some cases? Well I tried to talk to him, that's when he told be about seeing stuff etc. Unfortunately, he thinks that he doesn't need help... Like you said, I guess that's the biggest problem.
Wonderwall., he just said that he doesn't need a counselor, and that if he goes to see one, they will try to 'talk him into having a mental illness'... And yes, I do have some support but he doesn't really want to open up to anyone, he only really talked to be about all those issues.
With boys, they tend to reach crisis before they ask for help. Maybe being vigilant on him to see when that is, then he will be more likely to ask for help. In general, men don't really ask for help, especially for mental/emotional difficulties.
With boys, they tend to reach crisis before they ask for help. Maybe being vigilant on him to see when that is, then he will be more likely to ask for help. In general, men don't really ask for help, especially for mental/emotional difficulties.
xxx
Maybe you're right.. Although he used to be a very emotional and expressive person so not sure what caused that change..Perhaps he got teased too much in school or something. I just hope that this crisis won't be too bad.. Thanks for replying.
