Tell us what you think about the Siblings Network

Young siblings

When your brother or sister is experiencing mental or emotional problems, you can face many difficult feelings and issues and you might not know where to turn for answers and help.

The siblings network is a space where you can find information and advice and talk to other siblings about your experiences. Remember, you are not alone.

3863 Girl looking perplexedFind out more about our FREE workshops for 14-25 year olds who have a brother or sister affected by mental health problems.

Your brother or sister may have received a mental illness diagnosis, or their behaviour or feelings might suggest that they need help to recover their mental health, but you are not quite sure what kind of help they need.

You may have noticed some changes in your sibling's behaviour which have caused you, your family and your sibling to become concerned about their mental health, such as a loss of interest in spending time with friends or family; a lack of motivation; less attention to their personal hygiene than usual; difficulty communicating as before; problems sleeping or eating; suspiciousness; strange reactions to others or big changes in their emotions such as being extremely happy or very low.

“He started being less himself in many different small ways. But none of those things were like glaring indicators because he was a teenager.”

Difficult feelings

It can be difficult to understand these changes in your sibling's behaviour and you may find yourself feeling a mixture of emotions that you find difficult to face.

  • fear about what is happening
  • loss and sorrow for your brother or sister as you knew them and concern about your relationship in the future
  • guilt about why this has happened to your sibling
  • anger at your sibling for the way they are acting, or anger at your parents
  • worry about whether the same thing will happen to you
  • anxiety caused by family stress or bullying by others
  • envy and resentment that your parents treat your sibling differently from you
  • embarrassment about your sibling's behaviour in front of friends
  • uncertainty about how to talk to friends and family about your sibling's mental illness
  • hopeful for the future

Read more about how siblings sometimes feel

Find out more about mental illness

Although things can be difficult, you may find it helps to find out more about your sibling's mental illness:

Whatever happens, it is important to remember that this isn't your fault, and things can improve.

“It does get better, there's a lot of learning and a lot of loving that can take place. And it can be good.”

You are not alone

Try talking openly and honestly about your feelings with family and friends and if you can't talk to them, you could try talking to a teacher at school or college or find other siblings who have gone through similar experience through our siblings network:

Young siblings programme

Young people on Uthink's sibling programme

We are currently running a young siblings programme for siblings aged 14-25 and we will be holding young sibling workshops across England. You will be able to learn more about mental illness and meet other young siblings to talk about your experiences.