how to help someone who is in self destruct mode

[tasmaniandevilchaser]

hi, hope that someone will have some advice, as my family don't know what to do.

My brother is in his late 40's, no partner or children. He has suffered from depression since his teens, he is not seeing a psychiatrist anymore. He is depressed, alcoholic, out of work now and steadfastly refusing to claim any benefits he's entitled to (says he's not taking anything off this corrupt govt), including whatever it is that covers your mortgage payments.

When he first lost his job, my parents stepped in and paid for his bills for 3 months, so he could get back on his feet. They also fed him and gave him ready meals for when they weren't around. My Mum even bought his cigarettes. Now this arrangement has come to its agreed end, and as he won't claim any benefits, he is likely to become homeless. It is quite difficult to communicate with him, but when asked he said he didn't care if he became homeless, 'that'd show them'. We have no idea who 'them' are. When an uncle spoke to him recently, he said he talked non-stop about conspiracy theories.

My parents have spoken to local mh services, but they say he's not sectionable and my parents have done everything they can, so they just have to leave him to it.

I don't have a good relationship with my brother, we are civil to each other, but not at all close. This is partly because we are not close in age, also because of a traumatic event in my childhood. My Dad recently asked me if I could talk to him, as he was at his wits end and feels quite negatively towards him. I really wouldn't know what to say. I feel angry with him because he should be looking after my parents now they are elderly, not the other way round.

Thanks for reading, any thoughts?

Have just found out parents are still giving him food (just to give you the full picture)

Have just read this, and feel so sorry for you, but don't have any answers. It is a very difficult situation for you, as you are not on good terms with your db and probably not the best person to become involved in his life at this stage.
All I can suggest is that you ask someone to go with him, either to see GP for increase in anti-depressants or other medical treatment, and/or to see social services or CAB to organise some benefits now he is unemployed.

Apart from involving someone else, I honestly don't know of anything you could do in this situation, sorry

Thanks so much for your reply, I was thinking no-one was out there! Your comments make sense, but my brother just turns everyone away, saying 'you don't understand' or 'you don't know what it's like'. I really don't think there's anything we can do, but I can see him as a homeless person you walk past in the street. The rest of my family don't really suffer from depression like this, it is very hard for us to understand.

It is unfortunate that there is so little one can do for someone who will not ask for help, and although you can no doubt see problems ahead if your db continues like this, fact is that the usual services are normally only involved after an emergency.
Does anyone in the family know a religious leader who might be asked to approach him?