Loan shark

[steppingup123]

This is a close family member.
Has struggled to hold down a job for a few years and has earned very little money in this time. MH not good and regularly pleads family for money- using threats of self harm to, in effect, force people to give money- we feel like it's emotional blackmail.
Living beyond means but nothing to show for it.
Won't take medication for MH.
Refuses to follow advise for debt help.
Now has said that they have loaned money off someone unsavoury and can't pay it back and is being threatened and fears for safety. Said debt is£5 thousand?
Could possibly afford to pay it for them at an absolute push but would leave us in financial hardship.
And to polish it all off, was residing with us so fear for household safety if loan shark/criminal comes to home to get money back.
Worried sick and no idea what to do.

Do not pay it for them because in a few months it will happen again and you won’t be able to help out, his emotional blackmail will escalate then. Go NC and move on

Don’t

You can’t cure this.

If the loan shark exists he’ll lend again if you repay. And then he’ll know you exist and you’re a payer so he’ll focus on you.

This will be never ending.

Family member needs to take what’s coming which is probably very very severe.

Do not pay it for them because in a few months it will happen again and you won’t be able to help out, his emotional blackmail will escalate then

Exactly this. If you can (and want to) stay in contact without discussing money then fine, but he needs to be absolutely clear that you will not bail him out.

If they're in with a loan shark, 5k isn't going to be all they owe imo - and if that's the figure they're telling you then it's probably more. As PP said if you're involved you'll be seen as the payer and this person will try to borrow more - if they're in the situation now they don't suddenly cure themselves when you've paid £5k and never do it again.

Don't pay it. Do not put yourself into financial hardship for this person who's got no regard for you - them not taking ownership of their mental health and financial issues is crap, but you cannot be their saviour.

Thank you
Everything that has been said in the replies is exactly what I would say in response to the post, but when it's affecting you personally it's amazing how much you doubt your own judgement.
Which is exactly why I posed.
Thank you.