I’m terrified of my brother after he had a fit
DEAR DEIDRE: When my brother came round after a seizure, I thought he was going to punch me. I was terrified.
He’s an alcoholic who has been sober for four years but the alcohol has really messed up his brain. He’s 41, I’m 38.
He was walking me to the lift after I visited him in hospital when he dropped to the ground and had a fit.
When he came round, he looked very confused and angry, and said I’d hit him, knocking him out.
The nursing staff sorted him out and got him back into bed and he calmed down.
He’s had so many seizures but this is the first time I’ve been scared of him.
When he leaves hospital I don’t know whether to tell him I’ll only meet him in public or that he can only visit my house when my husband is there.
I’m worried about upsetting him but I don’t know how to handle this.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Your safety is paramount and if he has another episode when you’re with him, you’ll certainly need support. You can explain to him that this is for his own safety.
Contact mental health charity Mind (mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393) for advice.
You and your family can find great support through adfam.org.uk, which shows you where to find local help.
It supports families and carers of addicts as well as frontline workers and can provide therapy sessions via telephone or online.