I just got home for break and I feel really anxious going to sleep and what not. I’m worried about my brother because he won’t talk to me or my parents and we feel like something is going on at school. He also studies abroad. Honestly I feel like he might be on the spectrum in some way. And my parents had him speak to a psychiatrist but I feel like they’re gonna say nothing important and my brother is going to continue to struggle. And I hate to see him struggle. And I really don’t know what to do. Elder sister btw. Genuinely need some advice. He’s never been the best at communicating but he is so highly intelligent, smartest in the whole fam. Sorry this is long 
Hello, thank you for sharing, it must be quite overwhelming to grapple with this. Perhaps more frequent calls can help you and your parents hear about his life abroad and ask him about his worries to understand if it is exam stress etc and perhaps you can also use Mindline’s tools and resources to support your brother. Rooting for you
Hi @user2417 ,
Just wanting to speak to you directly for a moment and share this space with you…
As I read your post, what came through very clearly wasn’t panic or overthinking, it was care. You’re worried because you’re paying attention. And right now, your nervous system is carrying a lot more than just your brother’s situation. It’s carrying uncertainty, distance, responsibility, and the fear of “what if no one catches this in time.”
Before anything else, I want you to know this: your concern makes sense, and it’s being heard. There is nothing unreasonable about feeling unsettled when someone you love goes quiet, especially when you’re far away and don’t have clear answers. That alone can make nights feel heavy.
At the same time, I want to gently slow things down with you.
You’re holding your brother with a lot of care but I’m also noticing how little space there has been for you to feel held. When worry starts spilling into your sleep, it’s often a sign that your own sense of safety needs some attention too.
If there were a private, safe space just for you where you didn’t have to be the strong one or the observant one, how do you think it would feel to finally let your guard down a little? To say, “I’m scared too,” without having to solve anything?
That steadiness matters. Because when you feel more grounded, it actually becomes easier to show up for your brother in a way that doesn’t pressure him, just reassures him.
And if there’s an opportunity to speak to him one-on-one, quietly and without expectations, sometimes the most supportive message is simple and consistent:
“I care about you. You don’t have to explain anything. I’m here when you want to talk.”
No analysing. No fixing. Just presence.
And equally important, please allow yourself to reach out too. Whether it’s a trusted person, or a professional space that feels safe and confidential. Being supported doesn’t take away from your strength; it gives you more of it. You’re doing the best you can with what you have right now. That counts. Take care and hope to hear from you. 