I need help

Hbj · 23-05-2009, 05:23 PM

I hope someone can give me some insight or advice. Last year my brother came to live with me. He was laid off from his job and his wife left him, plus his children will not speak to him. He is 40 years old and has always been a stable, normal, happy individual, who adored his kids. He has not found work, and he has been very depressed. For the past couple of months, he believes people are following him everywhere he goes. He has torn the car and house apart looking for bugs,
cameras, listening devices, etc. He believes his every move is recorded and he has hallucinations. He believes this with all his heart and had me convinced for a while that it was his wife collecting divorce information. He
acts perfectly normal in every other way. I am the only one he tells about his beliefs because he says it all sounds so unbelievable that he knows people will think he is crazy. He believes these things are happening with all his heart, and I listen to him, try to console him and be supportive. He is not in any way abusive, but is a bit suspicious of me at times. I have tried to get him to see a doctor or get counseling, but he vehemently refuses. I can't physically MAKE him. Will this pass with time as he gets over the guilt of losing his job and family? Do these kinds of disorders come about as a result of emotional trauma this late in life? I am at a loss as to what to do, and about at the end of my rope. If anyone can give me any information who has been through this, I would so appreciate it. Thanks. Betts

tamobhuuta · 23-05-2009, 05:35 PM

i don't know whether things like this can pass by themselves, but from my in-some-ways-similar experience once you get help they can pass a lot quicker. could you go to see the doctor by yourself and tell him/her about your worries, so they can advise you?

Shenanigans · 23-05-2009, 05:39 PM

You sound like a wonderful person to have supported your brother in this way. I'm very sorry he is struggling so much and I can understand that you want to help him as best you can.
Could you go to the doctors and explain you are there on behalf of your brother whom you are worried about? I understand getting him to the doctors is a difficult thing and perhaps if you went yourself and got some advice from them as to how to help him it would be easier.
As for whether or not it will go away? It might do, it might not. The mind is a strange and wonderful thing, and everyone reacts to distressing times in their lives in very different ways. What is obvious is your brother needs help now, whether or not it is a permenant condition or a temporary one from what you've described he is in a great deal of distress.
'm afraid I can't offer much more advice, but what you are doing is great. Try and continue to be supportive and caring and helpful, when someone is going through something of this nature they need continual support and understanding. Please don't forget to look after yourself as well though, it must be very difficult for you to see your brother go through this and to have little idea of how to help him through it. He is a very lucky person to have such a caring person to be there for him.
Sorry I haven't been much help but hopefully someone will have more useful advice.
Take care

Hbj · 23-05-2009, 06:15 PM

Would you suggest I talk to my family physician, or try to find a mental health professional? I've never dealt with this kind of thing, so don't know exactly who to see.
Thanks so much for your answers.

Shenanigans · 23-05-2009, 07:01 PM

Try your family physician first, he/she will be able to give you advice and point you in the right direction for help and support for your brother.
Good luck, I hope you and your brother can get the help you need.

Hbj · 23-05-2009, 07:05 PM

Does anyone know if there is a medication for this kind of paranoia?

Shenanigans · 23-05-2009, 09:34 PM

There are various medications that might help and there are various types of therapy that can help as well. None of us are trained professionals so none of us could say what particular support/medication would be best.
The best thing to do would be to seek out professional help for him. I'm sure going to your GP and explaining your concerns will prove very helpful. Please let us know how it goes and ifu have anymore questions feel free to ask and we'll try our best to help.

one_step_closer · 24-05-2009, 12:50 PM

As has been said, please speak to your GP. I hope that you manage to get some support soon. Take care.

susieannah · 24-05-2009, 07:14 PM

I am warmed by how kind you have been, taking your brother in during these hard times he is going through :) I agree with the others to speak to a professional, I hope there is good support there for you *hugs*