How do I help my brother who is mentally ill over a divorce and has tried committing suicide?

My brother is severely depressed after his divorce. It is very sad because he is 35 years old and has a 16 year old girl and a 11 year old boy. He has turned to drugs and been in and out of rehab 3 times, and attempted suicide twice. Due to his actions, his ex has filed a no contact order which he has broken and is now back in rehab to avoid going to jail. The problem is that I am certain he will try to kill himself again and be successful this time. What is wrong with the system?? He has insurance and each time after attempting suicide, the Psychiatric hospital discharges him after a few days.... Will someone help me before it is too late for him?

He needs a support group or network of people he can rely on emotionally- not just you. I know you care about him, but you can't shoulder this burden for him and alone. I hope you won't take this the wrong way- but you should ask yourself "What is he getting from this?" Some people are manipulative and take advantage of others' sympathies and compassion. You could be being played for attention. He's selfish in feeling sorry for himself, doing drugs and continually putting himself into rehab. And he's avoiding his responsibilities in not restoring his relationships with his kids and apparently not working. Church can help. Besides the spiritual pluses, some foster a fellowship and give a person a feeling of belonging. I wouldn't argue with him, or condemn him, but I would say- "It's your life brother, and it's entirely up to you. I don't understand why you would want to end it, instead of living it! You have too much to live for to waste it! I'll be here for you as much as I can, but I won't go back to life like this. It's your choice- it's time to move past the hurt and LIVE!"

tell him about God and Jesus

I believe the best you can do for your brother is talk personally with the Rehab folks and voice your concerns. You may even wish to contact Child Protection about the kids if you think they are not being cared for. If you have any other family involved, the group should be in on voicing concerns to Rehab, for a start.

Have you tried just talking to him? Explain to him that he has so much to live for, example: you and his children. Therapy is also an excellent route. I apoligize for perhaps sounding holier-than-thou but maybe an intervention?

just try to be there for him, don't judge or condemn him ,but let him know you believe in him ,LOVE HIM, AND WILL BE THERE FOR HIM.

I'm so sorry to hear about this kind of pain, both for your brother and for everyone who loves him. All you can do is let him know you love him and, most of all, PRAY for him. You can't be responsible for the choices he makes. Encourage him to see a doctor who will help him with medications and counseling to get over the hump. I know it's hard. I've been through a similar situation. I have offered a prayer for your brother and for you, too. God Bless!

Oh, wow... I'm sorry about your brother, honestly I am. Poor guy, I can imagine his sufferment. It's hard to say, but I would suggest being there for him every second that you can afford, give him the love that he needs, let him know that there is more to life than his ex and he needs to live and survive this for his children, maybe talk to his ex and see if she will agree to give him one more chance, having his children spend more time with him, talk this over with someone who has gone through the same situation that your going through. Hopefully one of my suggestions will help you, but if it doesn't I'm sorry and I wish you all the good luck in the world.

Usually the psychiatric hospital is only a "stabilization" unit. In other words, they hold you until "they" feel you are no longer suicidal. It is fairly easy to convince them that you are no longer suicidal. He needs to go to an actual treatment program in a relaxing setting for a month or two. Have you ever watched Intervention on the AandE channel?

He needs long-term permanent treatment. A mental hospital might be a good option. Tell the doctors about his past and prior failed treatments.