Brother with Aspergers and major depression

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Beausister
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07 Mar 2014, 8:58 pm

What do I say to my 54 year old brother who says "I'm alone, Ive always been alone. ***@#$ this **&^, whats in it for me. He says this a lot. This is after 6 ect treatments for the first time. Finally diagnosed at the age of 52. Wants to commit suicide. Has said so many times in the past few years. Please help. I love him so much. He spent 4 years in the marines and then traveled the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic taking care of someone else's yacht. He showed up at my door and I talked him in to going to the VA hospital a couple of years ago. He has been staying in VA housing and getting treatment but to no avail. He still wants to die. Never had a girlfriend. He stays in his apartment for days and days and won't come out. He has an above average IQ. Can read a manual for something put it down and build it without looking at manual again. He builds cigar box amps that are awesome but doesn't feel "worthy" of any recognition. He taught himself to play classical guitar and won't play for anyone. I heard him when he didn't think I was listening. He plays like an angel. I don't want him to die but am afraid it is inevitable. He needs someone to show him that there is a place for him on this planet even if it is the wrong planet. He has so much to offer but he is so sick. :cry:



cathylynn
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07 Mar 2014, 9:52 pm

just keep letting him know you love him. when he talks of killing himself, tell him you would miss him terribly. if he can take a compliment, mentioning his intelligence and talent from time to time couldn't hurt.

if he says he's going to kill himself, ask if he has a plan. if he has a plan, ask if he has on hand what it takes to carry out the plan (pills, gun, rope, etc.) if he does, call 911 and don't leave him alone until he has medical attention.



redrobin62
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07 Mar 2014, 10:35 pm

I wish there was something I can say to help him out. I know what both Asperger's and deep depression feels like. I'm on medication now (Celexa, Risperdal) so I'm hoping they help. I'm also in therapy and go to outpatient rehab 4x/week. I'm really trying my best to keep my depression in check. I hate the "sinking in the hole" feeling.



Waterfalls
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08 Mar 2014, 8:26 am

When I feel worst, it helps to be included in someone's life. If you can pick him up and cook a meal and talk about your life, anything, you are including him. It makes me feel there is one person outside me offering a bit of peace and respect and dignity during that short time they are with me and really wanting to be together. Maybe including him so somehow that he can accept will reach him, and you will know you are giving him the best gift you can.



Beausister
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08 Mar 2014, 8:37 am

Thank you for your input. I've done and am doing all the things I am suppose to do. Even have his neighbors phone number. He got very angry at me for that, but nothing new there. He does have a plan for his end, but hasn't carried it out yet. He has had a plan for years. It is as if I am just waiting for him to end his life. I live 4 hours away and have a family of my own. I let him stay with us for a couple of months but is was way to scary for my little girl. He calls or mostly text me only when he wants to let me know how horrible he feels. Actually he did call me one time to tell me the VA had a job for him and he sounded upbeat and then nothing for a long time. No job. He probably never went. He doesn't like social situations at all. I told him to give the ECT a month or so, as that is what I hear from others who have had it. Wish he could have a pet to keep him company. Don't allow at VA housing I don't think. Wish I had a million dollars so I could set him up near me and in a comfortable place. Wishing Wishing.



Waterfalls
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08 Mar 2014, 9:23 am

I've read about vets getting service dogs, and about some vets really benefitting enormously. And VA housing or any public housing I think has to allow service animals.

Plus the animal would be with him but not be an encouragement for complaining, however justified, that increases the emotional pain.

Sounds like a great thing if it could become a reality.