Hi there
Thanks for writing to me and telling me how things are with your family. It sounds like you’re having a tough time coping with the way your brother is behaving right now. I can hear that you are worried about how he is treating you and your Mum and that he may have a problem with drugs.
You’ve said that your brother’s having mood swings and is demanding lots of things at home and he is often raising his voice. You’ve said that you are scared to speak up and tell your brother to stop treating you and Mum this way and you’re worried it could turn to violence if you do. I can see that you are angry at the way you’re being treated and want him to change and respect you and Mum. You have the right to feel respected and free from the threat of violence when you tell someone how you are feeling.
You could speak to ChildLine about what is happening and ChildLine will listen and support you. There are a number of ways to contact ChildLine – you could phone for free on 0800 1111 or you sign up for a Childline account and have a 1-2-1 chat or send an email to a counselor.
You have said that your Mum has tried to speak to your brother about his behaviour but he just laughs it off. Your Mum may find it useful to contact ‘ParentLine’ on 0808 800 2222. They can offer advice for your Mum on how to speak to your brother.
Also you and Mum may both find it helpful to look at the website ‘Frank’ or call them on 0800776600. This is also a drugs awareness website and it may have some useful advice on how to recognize and deal with a family member who is taking drugs.
Take care
Sam