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What should I do for my brother when he gets out of care?

My baby brother will be realised from a mental health hospital tomorrow, (hopefully) having spent three horrific days of hell there.

Of course, I understand why he needed to go. I took a day to fall apart and gave vent to my feelings, but now that I have gotten my sea legs back on, I must, must, must make use of this situation to better understand and help him.

Obviously, we will recieve discharge papers, medication and a plan from a mental health doctor, but I mean "what should I do" in terms of him emotionally. I want to ask him about his stay, but don't want to upset him. I want to tell him I'm so happy he's home and on the path to recovery, but don't want him to lash out and tell me that I put him there. He is a very special child, and doesn't have a bone in his body capable of hating anyone, (especially me. He tells me I'm his best friend) but I still feel incrediblly guilty and sad.
Just listen and let him guide the conversation. Sometimes just being there for him, so he knows he’s supported could be enough. If he’s comfortable discussing his time there, he will. If not, he won’t. Don’t have any expectations of what happens or what is discussed. Just let it happen organically, so he can feel safe and secure.

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@ArminArlert I’ll be thinking of you both. May I pray for you both?
ArminArlert · 22-25, M
@JustGoneNow You can. Thank you for your kindess. I am worried about him and his future.
SW-User
Give him a hug. Maybe go for some fun outdoor activities or play video games together if his condition allows for it. That could help him get a bit of a release + strengthen your bond even further.
ArminArlert · 22-25, M
@SW-User He'll be getting many hugs if he allows me to. Yes, I wanted to do a fun activity, but don't want to overwhelm him, so playing some video games might be our best option. He also loves science and maths, so he'll probably want to do some activities like that. Thank you.
SW-User
DarkHeaven said it best here. That is good advice :)
ArminArlert · 22-25, M
@SW-User She did. Thank you, Dude. 🙂
Starcrossed · 41-45, F
Just be gentle, calm and patient with him. You may have to accept he doesnt want to talk about his experience with you, or it may just come up in natural conversation.
ArminArlert · 22-25, M
@Starcrossed Last time something like this happened, he didn't speak for some time. I'm prepared, but it's very sad.

Last night, he had to call me because the staff couldn't calm him down.
basilfawlty89 · 31-35, M
Listen. Be there. Take it slow.
I had the same situation with my older brother after his suicide attempt.
ArminArlert · 22-25, M
@basilfawlty89 That's terrible. I'm sorry to hear about your brother. It's hard to see the people we love so much go through so much pain.

M is also on the ASD spectrum, so usually when some traumatic happens to him, he shuts down. I am not looking forward to that, but know it will happen. I just want him to laugh again.
basilfawlty89 · 31-35, M
@ArminArlert ah, yeah my brother isn't on the spectrum, he's bipolar. I'm myself mentally ill. I have OCD, ADHD and depression.
ArminArlert · 22-25, M
@basilfawlty89 I'm sorry, Dude. I have never had mental health problems, so I won't pretend like I know what it's like, but watching my brother suffer is horrific. He also has OCD. OCD is the one that makes his life a living hell, which you understand.
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ArminArlert · 22-25, M
@funloving1 No, no, and I understand that. No kid should HAVE to worry about their friends in that way. But imagine how difficult it must be for him to constantly have friends leave for something he can't control. He enjoyed talking to you. He told me about you and his conversations, if I'm thinking you're the right person.
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ArminArlert · 22-25, M
@funloving1 He's my brother. I'll always be there for him.

 
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