Q: This is about my younger brother,he is 18 years old . He started this unusual behaviour two months ago. He is always sleeping,tired. He talks about not wanting to die. He sometimes wants to run away,asking for forgiveness from his family. In some days he does not talk to anyone if you talk to him he will just look at you without any response and close his eyes. He has been in and out of hospital and there is no improvement. We are very worried and this is a very depressing situation we are in . May you please help me,what to do ,where can we get help.
thank you in anticipation
A: This is, of course, very worrisome for your family. It is puzzling to me. He has been in the hospital but you don’t mention a diagnosis. The two possibilities that occur to me is that either he is suffering from a major depression or he is depressed because he is sick. If I were seeing him for a consultation, the first thing I would do is suggest that he see his doctor to try determine if there is a physical reason for this sudden change in behavior. Your brother says he doesn’t want to die. I would understand that as a request for help.
Please, if you haven’t already, talk to his doctors about what they think the trouble is. Do not assume this is a mental health problem unless the doctors have determined that he is physically healthy. If you aren’t satisified that your brother is getting good care, consider getting a second opinion. If all his physicians agree that he is physically okay, turn to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
I’m very glad your brother has a caring sister to take charge when he is unable to care for himself.
I wish you well.
Dr. Marie
What's Related
- Other posts by Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker
- What could be the matter with my son?
- Daughter has disappeared
- I think my boyfriend is Schizophrenic
- My brother’s personality has completely changed.
- His son is detaching from society.
