Pushed Away And Want To Help

[JLJ]

I'm just starting to read about PTSD because my brother has let me know he has it. He has been in a toxic relationship for about 25 years. We were very close at one time but are not now due to him pushing me away. He is very angry. I live far away and only text and email. He hardly ever writes back. He usually never returns calls. He started to open up to my mom / his mother that lives with me, now he has shut down. I am concerned about him as the last time we communicated with him he said that after his oldest child leaves the home he was done and completed his job here on earth and spoke of suicide. He still is working and did speak about wanting to see a therapist. I have given him many numbers and offered to prepay for his therapy but no response. I write everyday to him telling him I love him and that it will get better with therapy. I don't know what to do. I keep writing but don't know what else to do. Please help me. What can I do?

 

[Abstract]

It is really difficult and you are in an awful situation.Have a look through the site and you will get lots of information. The articles are very educational too. I think you are right to be concerned. Trouble is that there is a limit to what others can do. Giving him access to professional support is a good idea. Make sure it is with treaters who are specialists in trauma or ptsd. Group support can be another option. You could give him the name of this site too. Any pressure to get in touch tends to backfire so keep that in mind when you contact him. If he feels overwhelmed by how much you are contacting him he is likely to pull away more.

 

[blackemerald1]

@JLJ - welcome to the forum.

I think you are being so caring and sensitive to want to help your brother to get treatment.

I agree with @Abstract - have a good read around this site - it will help you a lot I think.

Do you know you brothers children? If they are adults can you contact them and ask if he is ok? I'm not sure if that would seem intrusive to your brother or not. Maybe your mother could do that instead. You know best.

I can understand you concern but reaching out to him might be pushing him into a corner. Maybe he doesn't understand the type of treatment available to him or doesn't want it or doesn't believe in it.

In any of those instances you cannot make him undergo treatment. He has to want to do it himself and for himself.