how do you help a mentally ill loved one if your family isn't rich?

Question

my brillent troubled brother is missing. He's been homeless before. And we have tried to help him before. I'm afraid. I t's been so painful.

Answer 1

The main help for a "mentally ill" family member is uncritical loving support. Is he really mentally ill? That is, is he a danger to himself or others? If he meets these criteria he may be committed to a state hospital. That is an extreme step and should only be done if the situation is dire.

Many cities counties and states have mental health clinics you can refer him to for free or a nominal fee. Look in the Government pages of your phone book to find numbers you can call for more information or referral. Your family doctor or pastor may be able to recommend a clinic or Dr. that is affordable. If he is a veteran the VA may be of help (www.va.gov) If he is truly homeless and living on the streets he may be picked up by the police as a vagrant, in which case you can contact him through them.

When you find him just "be there for him". He needs motivation. If he is truly mentally ill he must be urged to get help, but diagnosis by a non-professional is often wrong. If he refuses to seek help or doesn't recognize he is ill he may have to be involuntarily committed.

Good luck, Good health for your brother, peace and love!

Answer 2

Having been mentally ill many years, I have always found the best life is at home with my family and on medicine. That is the lifestyle most successful mentally ill people live and survive. I have a home, work and support a family. To be able to continue living a normal life which has been very sucessful, my family makes sure I'm at home when I am supposed to be. They file a missing person report with the police anytime I am gone more than 24 hours without contact and or prior explanation of my where abouts. If you truelly care about your brother you should consider keeping him at home where he belongs and help him by providing a means for him to have psychiatric care and medication. The benefit for him is he will have a chance to someday have good employment, a family and home of his own, etc. It is by way of these accomplishments that people and families conquer mental illness.

I would be ashamed of myself if I left a family member on the streets when they are mentally ill and could not even help themselves. I wonder what he had to eat today or where he slept.

Answer 3

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has offices in each state. Contact them, and they'll direct you on possible ways to find your brother & to get help for him.

Answer 4

you need to find him and tell him you're there!