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Depression

How can I help my little brother addict with suicidal thoughts.

Answered by William Anderson, MA, LMHC

Question

How can i help my litlle brother who's an addict ; depressed ; have suicidal thoughts and lost the meaning of his life

The best thing to do is find a close-by addictions counselor who is licensed to provide mental health counseling and make sure he or she is available to give you an appointment right away if you are able to convince your brother to go with you. Then, in a loving and caring way, tell your brother, in a face-to-face meeting, that you love him and you are very concerned and want to see him get better from this crisis, that you know life can and will get better if he takes this step. Take him, not send him, for this appointment and be there with him. If he refuses, call your local crisis center, describe the situation and ask them what to do. Do all this today. Don't waste time. It's important to do this right away.

About the Expert

William Anderson

MA, LMHC

Sarasota, United States of America

Specialties

Compulsive Disorders, Life Coaching, Addiction or Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Other, Impulse Control Disorders, Thinking Disorders, Depression

License

my_license #MH7773