I'm worried about my brother. I think he has been depressed for several years, maybe even 5. He used to be a pretty happy social person, but through a series of job changes, slowly became isolated. His current job has him working until 10:00 every night, off Sunday and Monday, which limits the amount of interaction he has with anyone. He complains all of the time about his job, but doesn't seem to be motivated enough to get another job. He sleeps a lot, is totally disorganized and often late or misses family events entirely. He has been drinking heavily on occasion (alone), and to top it all off his best friend recently died.

I finally got the nerve up to ask him if he thought he could be depressed. In general, not just because his friend died. He acknowledged that he may be, and I told him there was nothing to be embarrassed about and that he could talk to me about anything. But I think he needs real help.

His hour at work changed this week, m-f, off on weekends, which may help. But he didn't do anything this weekend. Chores or fun. I'm afraid to push him, as he tends to avoid anything that would cause conflict. I'm one of the few people that he has a personal relationship with, so I don't want him to shut me out.

I was thinking of giving him the name of a therapist that is close to his home and just suggesting that he make an appointment, but I don't know if he'll do it. Either because of no motivation/energy, or because of some show of weakness. If they tell him to see a medical doctor, or want to run tests, he will not do it.

I'd appreciate any guidance at all. I fear that it might be worse than what I know.