#MentalHealth #FamilyCrisis #Infection #MentalWellness
It’s heartbreaking to see a loved one suffering and refusing to take care of themselves, especially when it comes to their mental and physical well-being. It’s clear that your brother is going through an incredibly difficult time, and it’s completely understandable that you and your family feel lost and helpless. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to help your brother in this situation and ensure he receives the care he needs.
Understanding the Severity of the Situation
It’s crucial to recognize that your brother’s refusal to seek medical treatment for his severe kidney infection can be life-threatening. Combined with his mental health struggles and the physical toll it has taken on his body, it’s a complex and dire situation. Here’s what you can do to address it:
1. Seek Professional Help
– Connect with mental health professionals who have experience in dealing with complex cases like your brother’s. Look for therapists, psychiatrists, or counselors who specialize in trauma, depression, and PTSD.
– Consider involving a social worker or case manager who can assist in coordinating care and accessing resources for your brother’s mental and physical health needs.
2. Consult with Medical Experts
– Schedule appointments with healthcare providers who can provide a comprehensive assessment of your brother’s physical condition and offer guidance on how to address his refusal to take antibiotics for the kidney infection.
– Explore the option of consulting with infectious disease specialists who can offer tailored treatment plans for managing the infection and its potential complications.
Intervening in a Supportive Manner
Given the severity of your brother’s situation, it’s essential to approach him with empathy, understanding, and a compassionate attitude. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Engage in Open Communication
– Express your concerns and fears to your brother in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. Encourage him to talk about his feelings and fears, and listen to him without trying to immediately solve the problem.
– Share your observations about his declining health and express your desire to support him in seeking the necessary medical and mental health care.
2. Utilize Family Support
– Enlist the support of other family members who can join forces in providing a unified front to address your brother’s resistance to treatment. Present a united front in expressing your love and concern for his well-being.
– Encourage family members to engage in activities that provide emotional support and reassurance, such as spending quality time together and engaging in hobbies or interests your brother used to enjoy.
Exploring Legal Options for Intervention
In cases where a loved one is deemed to be a danger to themselves due to mental or physical health crisis, legal intervention may be necessary. While this step should be approached carefully, it can be crucial in ensuring their safety and well-being. Consider the following:
1. Involuntary Hospitalization
– Consult with legal professionals or mental health advocates to understand the process of involuntary hospitalization, also known as an involuntary psychiatric hold or 5150. This may be necessary if your brother is deemed to be a danger to himself.
– Advocate for a mental health assessment to determine the severity of your brother’s condition and the need for immediate intervention to address his mental and physical health.
2. Guardianship or Conservatorship
– Explore the option of seeking guardianship or conservatorship for your brother if his mental health condition impairs his ability to make sound decisions regarding his medical care. This legal process allows a designated individual to make decisions on his behalf to ensure his well-being.
Seeking Community Support and Resources
In addition to professional and familial support, it’s crucial to tap into community resources that can offer assistance and guidance. Consider the following avenues:
1. Support Groups and Mental Health Organizations
– Connect with local mental health organizations and support groups that specialize in trauma, depression, and PTSD. These resources can provide valuable insight, guidance, and emotional support for your brother and your family.
– Explore the option of joining support groups for family members of individuals struggling with mental and physical health crises. These groups can offer a sense of community and understanding.
2. Accessing Community Health Services
– Investigate community health services, such as free or low-cost clinics, mental health hotlines, and crisis intervention programs that can provide immediate assistance to individuals in urgent need of medical and mental health support.
– Inquire about community-based programs that offer outreach and support for individuals experiencing homelessness or severe mental health crises, as these programs may provide valuable resources for your brother.
Never Give Up on Seeking Help
Above all, it’s crucial to maintain a sense of hope and determination in supporting your brother’s journey toward healing and recovery. While the situation may feel overwhelming and distressing, your unwavering support and efforts can make a significant difference in his life. Remember to take care of your own well-being as you navigate this challenging journey with your brother.
It’s important to remember that seeking help is crucial, even if your brother may not be receptive at first. By taking proactive steps and seeking professional guidance, you can create a path toward healing and empowerment for your brother and your family.
If you’re struggling to navigate this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals, local community resources, or legal experts who can provide the guidance and support you need. Together, you can work toward ensuring the well-being and safety of your brother during this difficult time.
In conclusion, the situation you are facing with your brother is both complex and urgent, and it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both his mental and physical health needs. By seeking professional help, approaching your brother with empathy and understanding, exploring legal intervention when necessary, and tapping into community resources, you can take proactive steps to support your brother’s well-being and create a path toward healing and recovery.
Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support networks available to guide you through this challenging time. By advocating for your brother’s health and well-being, you can make a meaningful difference in his life and help him find the support and care he needs to overcome this crisis. Don’t hesitate to reach out for the help and guidance you need as you navigate this difficult situation.
Not a lawyer but I wanna ask for people who know…. Wouldn’t this be worth calling Adult Protective Services for?
How old is he? What state are you in? Some laws vary state by state
I agree about calling APS. But this can be a long process. It would take having to have his legal rights taken away. In that, they would need evidence that he is not in his right mind, and doesn’t have the ability to make self-sustaining decisions. I say this, just to warn you to be patient in the process. Good luck and I hope that you can get things figured out for your brother.
You can call your county’s mental health crisis line. The specific service available and process depends on your location.
In many places, a mobile mental health team can evaluate your brother without involving police or adult protective services. They may be able to coordinate with his physician. They can determine if his refusal to get care places him in grave danger and will take appropriate steps.
If he has seen doctors for it, as it sounds like he has, have they evaluated him for competency? If they have found him competent to make his own decisions, they can’t compel him to treat the kidney infection. (Edit to add: Unless they believe not treating the infection constitutes a suicide attempt.)
If they have not evaluated him for competency, they should. If you know who they are, you can call them. If you feel he is in imminent danger, call 911. The ER can facilitate a competency evaluation.
NAL, just a paralegal, but I would look into an emergency temporary guardianship/conservatorship. In most places, an attorney can get a Rule Nisi (emergency) hearing fairly quickly
You can look into an emergency involuntary commitment. Usually 72 hours unless they find he’ll need longer treatment.
Explore guardianship. I’m not in New Jersey but in my state a guardian will be appointed if the prospective ward cannot take care of himself and his property.
EMT here. Get him evaluated by a professional. If he won’t go try to get a 5150 again and have them see if he’s incompetent. If he’s found to be incompetent then there’s treatment, but if they find him competent then there’s literally nothing legal you can do to force him to take care of himself. It sucks, but that’s how it is.
This entirely depends on where you live but, in general, you can reach out to a crisis agency and request an emergency visitation. You’re actually asking for a medical/psychiatric hold.
Because you’re a) a close family member with b) specific insight and knowledge into the individual’s condition and c) knowledge that the individual is a harm to themselves you can request an evaluation and potentially, temporary hold.
I would *not recommmend* calling 911 or the police. The police are typically not even remotely qualified to assess this sort of thing. What you want is something like a “mobile mental health crisis response team” or “mobile health crisis response team”.
Either will probably work. Typically, people who are not suffering from mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues will seek healthcare if they need it. Thus, a person who does not seek care for an imminent and life threatening health issue is usually suffering from a mental health/substance abuse crisis and the mobile mental health crisis unit can respond.
You will need to call and talk to a screener. Make sure you have as much info about your brother’s current state, his past history, etc. so you can relay it to then. Also emphasize his current health state and your concerns around it. Focus on the imminence of his health status and that care needs to occur *yesterday*. Explain why he *hasn’t* sought treatment especially when it comes to him mental health and substance abuse.
Be as detailed as possible. They may ask you (or whoever has the most detailed history of his health) to be there when they arrive.
If he has a case manager already, call them too. They’ll help.
Oof. I’m so sorry you are in this position.
You can try to have him 5150’d again and while he’s on hold apply for a competency hearing/guardianship. However…. It’s not illegal to refuse medical treatment if he’s of sound mind (and likely, be able to articulate “I know I’m sick, I know that refusing treatment will likely cause my death” is enough).
That doesn’t make any of this easier.