Big Brother
Question
I'm really worried about my brother's mental health. He's very overweight and it's making him depressed and angry. He blames others for the way his life is turning out and he's been threatening and abusive to our family. He's married with two children and his wife wants him to leave, but he won't go.
He said he will disappear from our lives and has been having suicidal thoughts. Our family doesn't know how to support him, but at the same time he doesn't think he needs any help. Is there any way to have him sectioned as we believe he's a threat to others and to himself?
Answer
It sounds like things have been difficult for you, your family and your brother. Understandably, you're concerned about his mental wellbeing and this must be very upsetting for you all, particularly his wife and two children. It can be hard to know how to support someone who is experiencing mental health issues, especially when the person doesn't think they need help.
Problems with relationships, work, money, or any other number of things, can leave a person feeling anxious, depressed and stressed. This can result in feeling frustrated and emotionally unstable; there may be a loss of confidence and self-esteem and the person may, as you say your brother has, display aggressive outbursts and find themselves unable to manage their emotions.
The first step to receiving treatment for any mental health issue is to approach a local doctor (GP). The GP's job is to assess and help the person in need explore the options available to them in regards to support and treatment.This might be in the form of medical treatment, such as antidepressants, or a talking treatment such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
People are generally only sectioned if they present an immediate danger to themselves or others, or are in need of immediate, intensive treatment. It is possible to be referred for hospital treatment, but enter as an 'informal' patient on a voluntary basis, which means he would not be subject to detention and therefore would not be prevented from leaving when he wished. In addition, his consent would have to be obtained before treatment is given.
The process of being sectioned can be distressing for both the person in question and their family and friends, so it is important you consider the options available before you try to go ahead with this process. If your brother does show signs of threatening behaviour and you or any member of your family feel in danger, it may be worth calling the police for assistance. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about how the local mental health system works and could provide assistance, you might like to contact your local community mental health team (CMHT).
You may also want to get in touch with SANEline on 0845 767 8000. This is a national mental health helpline offering confidential emotional support and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems. If you would like to talk to someone about your brother's depression and suicidal thoughts, you may like to consider calling Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.
Updated: 23/06/2010
Question answered by SANE
