Adult sibling living with family due to severe depression and anxiety

[Folle]

Hi there!

Happy 2020. Is there anyone who can provide insight on how families can support and encourage a sibling (in my case) and a son (in my parents’ case) to help himself?

My brother is 50 years old, refuses treatment that requires engagement and honesty, and has been living with our parents for the past 8 months. He is not violent but is demonstrating behaviors that are new such as stalking, obsession etc

Any suggestions and ideas are welcome. For context, my brother has been depressed for 35 years or so and has been working with a therapist for the last five years. He’s participated in intensive group therapy programs over the last few months but refuses to go again because his ex fiancée (a woman in therapy with whom he developed an obsessive relationship) has written him off.

Long post I know

Thanks!

[Dolphin14]

I'm sorry your brother is so ill. He definitely needs to have therapy.

The only thing I can suggest is be sure you are not enabling him. You may have to do a little tough love here. He can find somewhere else to go other than where the ex is. He shouldn't be allowed to refuse if he is being given a roof over his head etc.

Rules are in order I think.