Concerned for male family member - MH

[bebeboeuf]

A male family member had confided in me that he is suicidal and has been for a while.
Is on medication, is seeing doctors who are increasing medication but that he seems to be on an endless cycle of working his way out of it to then go back to feeling suicidal again.

I’m so worried and so scared for him.

I don’t know what to do. He’s confided in friends (young gamers so probably not a huge amount of support) and also in his mum who is equally as worried as I but also does not know what to do or say.

Is there anything glaringly obvious that someone can do for someone when they are at their lowest?

I have no advice sorry. I hope you get some better responses. I know mental health services are underfunded where we are and it must be a very worrying time.

Has he had any talking therapies / support from GPs other than medication? I think that's probably key to breaking the cycle but I'm definitely not an expert.

There are quite a few MH charities who I believe you can call as a third party for advice on supporting someone with MH problems (e.g. Mind)

my area has a good peer support charity who meet up regularly with a lot of men who maybe don't feel able to "burden" friends and family but feel safe speaking to other people like themselves. something like that might help?

Samaritans

Have you spoken to his mum?

I’ve spoken to his mum earlier today.

She was worried but that’s all she let on and I don’t think she knows what she can do either

I’m worrying as I feel like I should go round there and check on him but I have a 1 year old asleep in bed and don’t want to annoy him that I’ve just turned up.

He’s probably asleep.

DH has offered to drive me over there now because I’m worrying.

It’s about an hour away so would be quite late by time we get there

I would say if you are worried, encourage him to get support from a helpline, such as Samaritans. Also listen, reassure him his feelings will pass, there is hope for recovery with those around him to support.