My brother needs help...

I really have no idea what to do. My brother is 40 years old and has the mannerisms & body language of a 60+ year old. He has changed over the years from this funny, personable guy to someone I don't even recognize. I cannot pinpoint a specific problem of cause. He HAS to take a nap every day, he is at times most irrational, short tempered & screams at his family & children. His arguments do not make any logic sense. Depression and alcoholism runs in my family so I was initially thinking he was drinking too much. However, no one ever sees him drink more than 2 beers. I thought of drugs, but he doesn't show any symptoms of this. His personality has changed completely along with his behavior. My unprofessional opinion is that his is dealing with depression for sure but I feel as if it maybe coupled with several other things too. My parents & younger brother have all tried to talk to him and he truly doesn't believe he has a problem. He will not go see a doctor. We tried to get him to go see one about the possibility of sleep apnea. He wouldn't. His excuse is always, "I have a lot going on. Work is stressful," etc... I'm grasping at straws. I do feel that if we sit back and watch him hit bottom, it will be due to something tragic happening. I don't want to wait for something tragic to happen in order to save him, his family or anyone else he may affect, to include himself. I really just don't know what to do. At the very least, I think I should educate myself and be prepared to help when I can.

Is there any way you can just get him to go to a regular doctor at least? It sounds like he really needs some sort of neurological evaluation. What you are describing sounds a bit like dementia, which could be a sign of mental illness or a physical problem with the brain.

Can you talk to his wife about this? Maybe if you both confront him about this you could convince him to see someone.

I sure hope this works out.

hrcj1....i agree with you. it sounds like something neurological. even if it isn't you have ruled that poss out. i hope someone can get through to him, keep trying, i can tell you really love your brother............pj56..........xxoo

sister

hopefully talking to him will help him to open up alitte

Seeing a Dr is a very good idea

I hope it gets better
muffy

I appreciate any type of advice. We've tried to get him to go see a doctor for a complete check-up and he just won't. I found a depression screening test on this web site and each of my family members took it as if we were my brother... we scored 59, 68, 69 & 73. When he took it, he scored himself 14. Major disconnect, eh? Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my posting.

The more and more I think about it, I think it's neurological as well. Some chemical imbalance. We're all getting together again over Memorial Weekend so we can all observe him. Sounds like a lab rat, but.... I'm still trying to do some research, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

sister
will say a prayer for him and your family

You and your brother are in my thoughts, please keep us updated

you cannot test for him..

if your brother is not accepting help for his health issues - you need to back off and give him breathing room to digest it all - do not smother him.

he already might have ideas about what his difficulties are.

there are enabling groups - and other sorts of support for families of those with illness they love.

if you ck out that avenue, you might find some relief.

I hope he gets well soon.