I think (know) my brother has a severe depression and I don't know how best to help

[bizzey]

Ohh I think my message above got missed off .
Possibly long story so sorry .

My db2 is disabled physically.

My mum and i have been noticing things over a long time that is making us thinks things are not right .

This evening my older brother has phoned me to chat about how worried he is .(Very out of the blue and unusual)

I think it is a depressive state ? I don't know the word for it.

He will not engage in a conversation is the main thing ...even in a social setting with family.

Not even stupid chit chat ...

We have all been worried about him for a while ...but just don't know what to do .

Obviously...there are more incidents that make us concerned than the just not talking..

But how do you get help for someone who will not engage ....or ...how to you engage someone to help themselves ?

Thank you

I suppose I am asking when it becomes severe depression?

And how do you approach that person ?

Do you want tough love,... or gentle love ?

You can't help someone who will not engage.

If he is severely physically disabled are you sure this is not pain or other issues? What makes you think it is depression?

He needs professional help. What you do is get that for him.

What is he worried about or what did he say? He’s disabled, in the nicest possible ways he’s going to have more extreme ups and downs than most as his life is tougher to navigate. It may be depression or just a rough patch. Does he think he’s depressed?

When I am depressed general chit chat is harder than discussing world peace! I really couldn't give two hoots it either feels woefully unimportant to the trauma of my mind or it takes very precious and scarce energy that i don't have. I also find that often don't have any strong opinions on topics or even whether I want a tea or a coffee!

It's good that he felt able to call you. Are there any organisations related to his disability that might be able to provide some support? Do you think the depression could be connected to his disability? Either way organisations that understand his day to day life can be more helpful that someone looking at general depression without additional needs.

Thanks for the replies.

It is not the brother I am worried about who phoned me , it was my older brother who met up with him earlier in the day.

DM , the 2 brothers and partner of older dB went for a meal.