Hi, I have some problems. Can u help?

[Biggerpicture22]

This is my first time on this site, but I have some problems that I would like some help on. Ok first thing first is my brother cuts his wrist. Idk why he has the best life he is spoiled , and I’m the youngest. I saw a giant deep cut down his wrist and my brother works as a meat slicer(at the beginning when I saw it I knew he cut but didn’t wanna believe it) so I figured he cut his wrist by accident, but my mom didn’t say anything about the cut cause he tells her everything. And he had sleeves on the whole week. I went in his room earlier and found a knife... my brother doesn’t really like knives he has had one in his entire life and it was a Swiss Army knife. But this knife looked like it was made for cutting skin. I flipped the knife open and smelled blood but there was no stain as if he had rinsed it with water or rubbed it down with a rag. What should I do, I’m his little sister and when I asked how he got it he said don’t worry about it and told me not to tell anyone. I took his knife and hid it cause precaution.

[marigold22]

If your brother is indeed cutting himself, and it's not from his job, then he has mental health issues. You are his little sister, and I don't know your age. Your mother knows and it is her who should be getting help for him. There really, sadly, is not much you can do. I guess you could sit down with him (maybe in his room) and talk to him gently, asking him if he is cutting himself, and what's going on in his head. But - and it's a big but - it depends on your age. You could ask him to seek help. You could also talk to your mother alone about what you have discovered.

[Frozenimages]

I agree. It sounds like your brother does have mental health problems. My husband has BPD and I have researched a lot on his disorder to better understand. I'm not a doctor by any means. I have read on mental health issues and sometimes they say people cut because the pain they are feeling inside is so intense that they are looking for a way to relieve it. Even though it may seem like he has the "best" life, there may be underlying issues he is trying to hide. My husband has the capacity to put on a "public" face where nobody is the wiser. At home though, I see the side to him that he tries to hide. He used to cut a long time ago when he was younger, but luckily he hasn't now.

There are a bunch of websites that talk about mental health issues and talks about reasons why people may do the things they do. How old are you and your brother? It sounds like your mother may or may not know? Do you think she may know about his cutting?

[sweetiepye]

Did he ask for your help ? Younger siblings are not usually the ones older siblings go to. It seems your Mother is his go to person so you probably need to stay out of it Sneaking into his room and going through his things does not speak highly of you. You might want to work on your own issues. By the way what does a knife made for cutting skin look like ? Let your Mother know what you are up to. Pam

[Zoea in reply to sweetiepye]

I disagree with this reply as it implies you should know be in the know about an obvious mental health problem for your own older brother. Just putting it out there. Sorry Pam.

[sweetiepye in reply to Zoea]

I'm sorry I don't understand what you're saying, but you can certainly disagree with me. People often do. Pam

[Zoea]

I think the best thing you can do is (and I'm not sure on the detail, sorry)

1) Contact his GP and explain your familial relationship and the fact he is self harming. The GP should contact Community "meant all..." health team which will do an intervention.

2) Contact local Community Mental Health team who will do an intervention.

It's a serious condition and knives are involved I'm not sure what else to offer. Sitting down with him attempting to have a heart to heart may not solve it, even with your own brother. Sorry but your family needs some professionally help with this situation..

[Finglas-Boy]

Hi Biggerpicture22. Nice to meet you though, as my friends here say, I don't see your age anywhere. I'm gonna be blunt & say your Mum should know of your brothers difficulties. If she doesn't, why not?

You're gonna have to be brave & confront Mum with what you know. It may be the Kickstarter to getting her to help your brother.

Luv & luck. 🇮🇪

[elijah_effaces]

If your brother is cutting, taking his blade won't really help. Until he's fully recovered, the best thing to do is to ensure he's got sufficient supplies to clean the wounds as infections can kill. Also, there are many free counselors, so perhaps ask your mother to ensure he sees one. I'm sorry you had to see this, but remember it's unrealistic for him to instantly stop - recovery can be a very long process. I think an important thing to note is that, lots of the time, so long as wounds are sufficiently cared for, cutting isn't the worst thing in the world so hopefully now you won't feel so worried? Perhaps ask him to try to reduce how often he does it and really tell him how it makes you feel to see this