Worried about my brother - what should I do?

[abitworried]

My bro is 44. Lives alone, a bit of a loner. I'm not very close to him - we disagree on lots of counts and it's better for both of us that we keep our distance. He doesn't come and visit and doesn't send cards to his nephews (my kids) etc. But we do exchange the odd e-mail/ Xmas cards etc.

Have just spoken to my Dad tonight and he says he hasn't heard from him since Sunday when he left a message on Dad's ansaphone which was a bit 'weird'. Dad said he didn't sound like himself - a bit preoccupied.

Dad is worried and therefore I am too. I can go for weeks/ months without talking to him, but Dad talks to him every few days.

He is not answering his phone - Dad has tried every night this week. Nor his mobile -- it's switched off. I've sent an urgent e-mail tonight, but he hasn't replied.

He doesn't ususally go away anywhere without letting Dad know, and anyway rarely goes away anyway - he has no passport and no money!
He lives about 200 miles away and we don't know any of his friends or neighbours to call.

How long should we wait before doing something, and then what should we do? It's not like he's child, so calling the police seems a bit extreme. He's not really 'missing' as such? But I worry about the thought of something having happened to him, and us not knowing/ not doing anything?

Where does he live?
Far away?

Just call the police and explain your worried.
Its not extreme to call them, but I understand that in doing so that it makes your fears real.

I think I'd call the local police to ask them if they'd check his address.
I'm not sure if they'd do it but there's no harm trying.

I can understand your worry, could you ring your local police station (not 999) and ask their advice... they may have the number of his local police station and could arrange for a police man to go round and check to see if he's OK...

let us know what happens

I know how you're feeling I have a brother that sounds similar.

I think we're going to wait until the morning now, and then ring the local station, as you say. There could be a perfectly reasonable explanation... it's just that I can't think of it, and the fact he hasn't called Dad is out of character.
Some stuff has happened recently which makes me worried that he may be depressed which is why I guess I AM worried...

Quick update - it was a false alarm - he's OK. Has just been working silly hours and therefore going to bed early and switching his phone off!

Thanks for all your reassurances.

Thats good, glad everything is ok

Phew

glad he's ok...