Friend Advice on Sidechat | So my mom and I(19) just found out that my little brother (16) is suicidal and pretty depressed, he opened up to talk about it but I’m just worried about him, I don’t know what I’d do without him. I’m just looking for things I could do to help? Any ideas?

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Friend Advice 1d

So my mom and I(19) just found out that my little brother (16) is suicidal and pretty depressed, he opened up to talk about it but I’m just worried about him, I don’t know what I’d do without him. I’m just looking for things I could do to help? Any ideas?

Anonymous 1d

hey! i’ve been the suicidal younger sibling. i think the best way for you to go about it is to show him you’re there for him without making a big deal about it. just try to include him on fun plans without it feeling like it’s a pity invite. just make sure he knows he’s loved without making it feel staged.

Anonymous 1d

I would encourage a safety plan- there are some templates online it’s just good to have an idea of what to do and who to turn to when things get bad

Anonymous 1d

support is really important, as many other people have said, but I’d also like to highlight that a combination of meds and therapy can really work. but it can be really hard to make a first appointment or start medication when ur rly depressed. If you can make those things as easy as possible for them to start it really helps them get back on their feet.

Anonymous 1d

The best course of action is professional help. Those professionals have studied the mind in order to help him, because there is something he feels that it is not easy to get rid of. Maybe a childhood trauma, influenced memory, or something else that requires it. I hope your situation and his improves.

Anonymous

#1 1d

and no matter what he feels just know it’s not your fault. people go through hell and back and it doesn’t mean you have anything to do with it so don’t feel guilty about how he’s feeling but just be there to help.

Anonymous

#1 1d

if he wants to talk about how he feels then let him but don’t be the one to bring it up bc then he might feel suffocated. just act normally towards him but make more of an effort to be around him more if that makes sense yk

Anonymous

latino.orc 1d

OP from being that little sibling before: it’s important to bring up professional help in a way as if you’re letting him know he has the option to choose whether he wants a therapist or not. That agency is important for personal growth and trust. He might reject and say he’s fine, but just let him know that the door is always open if he needs a safe space and safe person to talk to that is separated from regular life. For me I find comfort in knowing my therapy is separate from everything