I have a family member who is very self-centered, dishonest, and seems to have no conscience. He will do outrageous and self-destructive things and then become the victim of the situation. If other things are happening in the family and he feels that he is not getting enough direct attention, he will do just about anything, including threatening suicide, to draw the attention to himself. There aren't any family members left who want to deal with or talk to him anymore but it is family and not as easy to just cut off. What do you do?
2006-07-26 06:14:00 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Call 911 whenever he threatens suicide. Don't let it pass. Don't try to handle his emotional problems yourself. Firmly tell him that you aren't qualified or able to help him and he will have to go to those who are. I know it is very hard, but it is true; if you try to deal with his emotional problems yourself, it makes things worse for all of you. Be supportive when he is getting therapy and behaving in a normal way. You can help by providing a normal type of family interaction. This means being supportive when he is making an effort to act like a normal family member, but not accepting behavior that is destructive to anybody.
2006-07-26 06:27:26 · answer #1 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seek serious psychological help. There's obviously a problem here that's being repressed instead of dealt with.
If he really wanted to kill himself, he'd have done it already. Suicide threats are cries for help. Get it for him. Everyone will be happier in the long run.
2006-07-26 06:28:22 · answer #2 · answered by Lizzie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋