My brother has been depressed for a few months now and I'm running out of ideas on how to snap him out of it. I try taking him out and he goes and hangs out with some of his friends, but nothing seems to get him out of his funk.
It all started at the end of summer when his college advisor told him he probably won't be graduating in May like he planned. Then his boss cut the entire staff's hours significantly and he had to give up a car he was set to buy. Then his band folded on him and broke up. He didn't make an audition for a play, and even girls have been less than friendly to him lately so his self esteem is in the gutter. Now he just got called ofr jury duty and they kept him so he's gonna miss classes for at least a week for a rape trial! It goes from bad to worse with him every day!
I need some advice. The other day he got mad and said he can't wait to die. My other brother and I are really worried. What can I do for him? Can I do anything?
2007-09-05 05:18:48 · 6 answers · asked by TooMuch 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
First of all: Your brother's depression isn't something that you can "cure" or "snap him out of." He's got some real issues to deal with, and it's not surprising that he's feeling like his world is crumbling around him. I will point out that he's probably not clinically depressed, which would require medication. He is suffering from what is referred to as acute depression, or situational depression, which can happen when life comes at you faster than you can deal with it.
He might benefit from talking to someone at college -- most colleges have student health services that include some form of counseling for students who are having trouble sorting out their lives. Check at his college and see what they offer.
The "end of the summer" has only been a couple of weeks, so luckily this hasn't been going on for months and months. His self-esteem is bruised, certainly. But "this, too, shall pass". He's probably giving off some seriously depressed vibes, which tends to cool girls' interest, too. Something needs to "go right' for him -- see if you can help him find a new job. Once one thing starts resolving itself, his attitude will start to turn around.
PS: You sound like a nice sibling. He's lucky to have you.
2007-09-05 05:37:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is proof that if he all of a suden becomes happy for no reason he might be condeplating suicide. You should watch him closely. alot of times for people w? depression life seems to difficult to live anymore. this is why they sleep 16 to 19 hours a day. he might have Bi-polar. which is where he cycles through depression and a condition called mania ( you said he used to be full of life) I don't really know because I have never met your brother. My advice to you would be to find out what he has and go find out as much information as possible on it. Arm your self with knowledge. He is on medication, but does he always take it? Find out. You should also try going to counseling with him. I would highly recomend this. It doesn't have to be to a psychiatrist if money is tight ( believe me they are very expensive) try goign to a free clinic or to a psychologist; they are cheaper than an MD psychiatrist.
2016-03-12 23:47:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if he is at a point where he needs professional help. If you are truly worried about suicide, you might consider "kidnapping" him and taking him to a psychologist. With a little therapy and medication, he should be okay. His life will get better, you and your other brother just need to make sure he is still around when it does.
2007-09-05 05:34:44 · answer #3 · answered by ragann63 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your brother is suffering from depression, he can't just "snap out of it".
depression is an illness, just like any other such as diabetes or cancer... people just don't "snap out of those" either -- all illness require medical treatment and if your brother is that depressed, he really needs to see his doctor.
doctors are very familiar with depression and can help. they can give a referral or treat with meds, if your brother accepts that.
there are a lot of resources for help with depression. the depressed person has to take the initiative to get the help. you can't do it for your brother.
therapy works when we work it... and it's taken your brother a while to get to this point -- once he would start therapy and treatment, it's going to take him a while to recover. the clincher is, he has to want to help himself and to feel better. he has to want to face his issues and learn how to cope. it takes effort and work to learn how to cope and to recover...
take care.
2007-09-05 06:24:10 · answer #4 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to talk to someone right away. Your parents, counselor, anyone. Your brother really needs help right now. Meanwhile, do as much as you can to show him that you love him.
2007-09-05 05:31:35 · answer #5 · answered by aldakemina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He needs help he needs someone to talk talk and maybe a dr.
It is hard watching someone be depressed.
2007-09-05 08:01:24 · answer #6 · answered by baby_rost 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋