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You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
Hi there,
Thanks for writing to me and sharing whats happening right now. It sounds like your life is very busy and you have found the things that you are really good at and enjoy doing. And as I read your letter, I have a sense of how upbeat you are much of the time and what a good sense of humour you have. Having a sense of humour can really help when things feel tough.
I can also see that there are situations when your brothers behaviour feels annoying and hard to accept and I get the picture that you are more free to be yourself when your brother is away. Its also clear that you do love your brother.
I also feel its understandable that if he calls you names or tries to make you feel uncomfortable about your opinions, that its upsetting for you. Its not ok for him to call you the names you describe and even if his ADHD, Aspergers or Dyspraxia might be partly the cause of this, it is still important for your parents to support you and to understand how this is affecting you. As well as looking after your brother because of his needs they must also look after and protect you and it is never acceptable for any person at any time to try to force you to do something sexual.
Im wondering how much you might know about the mental health conditions your brother has. Sometimes knowing more about them, can help you understand the kind of behaviour they bring and that can be useful because it helps you know that his behaviour may affect other people and isnt aimed at you alone. Although I say this, your brother is still not allowed to cause you any harm. A really good website to learn more about ADHD, Aspergers and Dyspraxia is Youngminds if you would like to take a look. If you check out the Mental heath page on the ChildLine website youll find some great information there too.
Im also wondering whether talking to your parents about the effect this has on you, might be something you would consider doing, or telling another adult who you trust. One way, would be to show them this letter, as I feel you have written so very clearly and explained everything so well.
There does seem to be so much going on for you and you can get more support with all of this by speaking to a ChildLine counsellor who would not judge you, only listen to help you find a way forward. You can ring ChildLine on 0800 1111 and calls are free or you could have a 1-2-1 chat on-line.
I do hope this helps and if you would like more support, please remember the ChildLine counsellors are there for you.
Take care
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.