Welcome to Rethink Siblings

When you first understand that your brother or sister is having mental health problems it can come as a huge shock, and feel very upsetting and confusing. They may be withdrawn… have difficulty sleeping and eating… or be acting differently… and you and your family are likely to be very worried and confused. Your brother or sister may also have been given a diagnosis – schizophrenia, psychosis, bi-polar or clinical depression.

Many siblings tell us that they feel scared, full of questions, worried about how their relationship with their sibling will change and unsure about how to support their brother or sister when they are unwell.

You may also be worried about your parents and how they are coping, and feel that there are questions you do not feel comfortable asking them. And as you grow older, your feelings and questions may change.

Rethink believes that you and your fellow siblings need support that is different from that given to other family members and carers.

So we have set up Rethink Siblings to create a community that provides you with confidential information, advice and helps you get in touch with other siblings share your concerns and discuss your questions if that would help.

For more information, please read the other sections in this section or contact us by emailing us at siblings@rethink.org

*The sibling information on this site is designed for brothers, sisters, half-brothers/half-sisters, stepbrothers and stepsisters.