what to do about a family member?

FireDragon76

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My brother has been having mental health problems for months. He used to be close friends with a guy that I thought was cruel, but from what I have heard from my brother, he may very well be a psychopath. They've been friend since highschool, for about two decades. My brother is going through a lot recently, it's obvious his thoughts are dwelling on unwholesome, violent themes, just from talking to him. I had to point this out last time I saw him. He is baptized and confirmed a Methodist, but not a churchgoer for decades. I've encouraged him to seek out therapy. But my guess is he doesn't realize what's problematic about his behavior, or how ultimately self-defeating it is.

I'm not all that close to my family. Since my decision to return to being a regular churchgoer about a decade ago, it has been a source of difference. The rest of my family doesn't think God is all that important, and they have a cynical attitude towards any kind of personal faith. I think esp. the gay issue has hurt them, because my mom and my dad have had close gay friends.
 
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FireDragon76

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The past month I've been "haunted" by the fifth commandment, and how I don't really take it all that seriously the fifth commandment was for "other people". Then I gradually became aware of my family situation and why I don't take it all that seriously. Because my family is a mess and I feel I'm powerless to do anything about it, it's easier not to care. I'm really at a loss what to do. My heart tells me this is what life is like when you don't have faith in God, a demonic focus on self-protection and security creeps in and takes over your life (I've been there and felt that, I live in a rough neighborhood and for a while I was seriously obsessed with crime to the point I was starting to lose my integrity), but, I'm at a loss how to "share my faith", since my faith is so weak and I am wary about 4-spiritual laws style evangelism.

Maybe I've already taken the first step by pointing out how what he's feeling is something he needs to work on.
 
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Tigger45

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Because we are so limited in helping others due to their own choices I'm a big fan of praying and being a good example for them. After all they hold the keys to their own trials just as we do ours.
 
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Godlovesmetwo

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But my guess is he doesn't realize what's problematic about his behavior, or how ultimately self-defeating it is.
Self-awareness is very important in mental health. "Insight" is what many people call it. I've worked with a lot of mentally ill and the ones without insight were more severe.
It is common for anyone to take offence to "hey, you need to see a counsellor, you've got real issues". So it is important how you relay the message to him. But going to a counsellor is really losing its stigma these days.
 
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