Supporting and promoting the well-being of mental health carers and their families.
Mental Health Carers Austalia.
17-04-2018 10:06 PM
17-04-2018 10:06 PM
My brother has had a myriad of mental health issues all his life, and is currently in a down period. He has been suicidal and was going to attempt yesterday but got to the hospital and had another break down today.
Luckily I could come over with my Mum and see him and help but I am feeling very sad and upset for him and I just want everything to work out. He has had downs like this before but it’s very bad right now. I don’t know what to do other than go see him a lot and be there.
I guess I’m putting this out there to see if there’s any other sisters/brothers who are going trough the same thing and would love to speak and support each other.
Would also like advice on how to help him more.
Cheers
Acaringsister
17-04-2018 11:18 PM
17-04-2018 11:18 PM
Hi @acaringsister ..... and welcome to the forums 👋
My circumstances are very different, but I am both the wife and mother to family members struggling with mental health issues. Suicide ideation is not part of what we have going on, but I feel for you and many others here who do have that particular element to try to cope with.
I hope you find the forums helpful. Please ask any questions you may have to help you find your way around, and I or someone else will help you with them.
🌷💜
17-04-2018 11:51 PM
17-04-2018 11:51 PM
18-04-2018 12:54 AM
18-04-2018 12:54 AM
Hi @acaringsister,
Welcome to the forums.
What a difficult time for you and your Mum. You're brother is so very lucky to have you looking out for him.
Suicide Helplines are there for you and your Mum to talk to about what is happening with your brother if you would like to talk it through. See below link:
https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
It's important to look after yourself and do things that help you to cope. Some time out doing things you like and keeping up with regular routines can also be very helpful.
I wish you all the best and hope things get better for your brother, yourself and the family.
Joe the Lion
18-04-2018 07:08 AM
18-04-2018 07:08 AM
Carers Hints and Tips for Success
Hi again @acaringsister .....
Click on the link above for a thread that may be helpful to you. As @JoeTheLion said, looking after yourselves (you and your Mum) and seeking your own support as a carer is just as important as accessing as much help as you can for your brother. “Carers burnout” is a real thing. You have to keep the question, “Who is caring for the carer ?” in mind in order to help safeguard your own mental health and well-being.
The Home page has a series of Discussion Topics laid out there, including one called Social Spaces. It can be hard to think of socialising under such heart-breaking conditions, but these threads are actually about bonding with other carers who understand the trauma you are going through as a family, and how helpless you can feel as a carer, wanting to support your family member, but knowing also that they have to let you in, and struggle so hard themselves, that the relationships and bonds of love are under great strain.
Other carers here can listen, answer what questions they can, empathise, offer advice according to what has helped them, including outside services that they may be aware of, and what sort of questions to ask health professionals.
The Search button can also help link you to others who are in a similar situation to your own, if you type in a key word or two.
Welcome again. Feel free to ask questions .... and we would love to meet your Mum too ....
🌷💜
21-04-2018 01:53 PM
21-04-2018 01:53 PM
22-04-2018 01:09 AM
22-04-2018 01:09 AM
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Supporting and promoting the well-being of mental health carers and their families.
Mental Health Carers Austalia.
Our Mission
To be the voice of mental health carers to enable the best life possible.
Get In Touch With Us
We're here to support and promote the well-being of mental health carers and their families
Mental Health Carers Australia is the only national advocacy group solely concerned with the well-being and promotion of the needs of mental health carers.
Supporting and promoting the well-being of mental health carers and their families.
Mental Health Carers Austalia.
Our Mission
To be the voice of mental health carers to enable the best life possible.
Get In Touch With Us
We're here to support and promote the well-being of mental health carers and their families
Mental Health Carers Australia is the only national advocacy group solely concerned with the well-being and promotion of the needs of mental health carers.