My brother is an example here. He has severe enough symptoms to render him unable to cope, staying in bed for weeks, losing jobs, drinking a case of beer a day, self medicating, etc. I told him my situation years ago, and that I am on meds. I urged him to get help. That is all that came out of my mouth as far as my opinion.

Inside, I worry about him. I am frustrated. He has a wife and kids. He has had to rely on our parents bailing him out financially. He is not going the no meds route. He is using street drugs and alcohol to medicate. A couple of times his wife got him to get on meds but he would quit taking them. She would call me to try to help him. He didnt want to talk to me about it so I accepted that.

Last week he called and said he was ready. He knows he needs help. His life is unmanagable. I shared my story with him. I listed to him for hours. next day his wife and I tried to get him in to a doc. 2 days later he says "I am fine now". I told him- You know this will happen again. It has all your life. He doesnt want help anymore.
I can't do anything now except love him and be here for him whichever route he decides on. And worry. And I did encourage at least take fish oil capsules.

In my opinion, He is making a mistake. His wife may leave him. He is killing his liver. Possibly raising his kids to have problems later on. The clinical studies and research and medical proof do apply in his case.

I have never lost a job, went to college and support myself and my kids. I told him my story and am an example of meds and therapy working.