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Adult siblings

If your brother or sister is affected by mental illness, you may have a lot of questions and concerns, and these may change over time. Support

When your sibling is first diagnosed with a mental illness, you may experience a variety of feelings, from confusion about what has happened to wondering about how you can best help your sibling to recover. The issues you face may also change as you and your brother or sister get older.

  • You might worry about who is going to care for your sibling as your parents get older
  • If you are starting a family of your own, you may have questions about genetics and mental illness
  • You may worry that you do not see your sibling enough or that you do not have enough time for yourself and your own family
  • As a sibling, it can be difficult to get in contact with doctors or other mental health professionals when you need to
  • You might want help to encourage and motivate your sibling or help them find work or support   
  • You could be dealing with mental health issues of your own and need time to look after your own health

“He's always been the big brother - always - he's always been the wiser one. He's asking for my help. Mum is asking for help to help with him.”

Talk to other siblings

man talking in garden to others These fears and worries can be sometimes feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. It can be helpful to talk to others who understand to share advice and experiences. You can chat to other siblings online on the RethinkTalk Sibling forum, join a sibling support group or read the siblings blog for tips, advice and stories from other siblings.

Information and advice

Our Siblings Network information section has factsheets, videos and FAQs covering many of the issues faced by siblings and you can also contact Rethink's Advice and Information Service for help and advice. 

Find out more about mental illnesses

Rethink websiteArming yourself with as much knowledge as possible about mental illness can really help you as a sibling. You can find out more about mental illnesses, their treatments and causes from the main Rethink Rethink Mental Illness website: