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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Northern Ireland woman's emotional plea as brother battles addiction and mental health

A Northern Ireland woman says her family are desperate to get help for her younger brother, who is battling with drug addiction and mental health issues.

The youngest of four siblings, the 35-year-old was brought to the hospital over the Christmas period, after severely harming himself. His family say they need help urgently, for his multiple issues, before they "walk in and find him dead".

Speaking to Belfast Live, the young man's sister spoke about the love the family has for her brother, who has "a heart of gold".

Read more: Belfast mum's pledge to help others after son's death following drugs battle

"My brother has suffered with depression from a very young age, around nine or ten," she said.

"He suffers with PTSD and mental health problems but has always been pushed from pillar to post. He had a mental breakdown when he was a teenager and we struggled so hard to get him help. The police back then, they were fantastic. It was almost 20 years ago, and it was so hard. We got him admitted to hospital.

"He was punching walls and then needing operations - he then stated to become addicted to drugs. It's all stemmed back to his mental health. He is addicted to cocaine, painkillers, grass and any tablets.

"In the summer, he tried to commit suicide. He was in a really bad way and it was broad daylight. The police came and brought him to the hospital. His mental health issues were there long before his addictions.

The woman said the latest incident involving her brother was "bad".

"He self harmed very bad, all over his body," she added.

"My daddy walked in on him and had to phone the ambulance who came and took over. He was still harming himself when they arrived, and they had to get the police, who brought him to hospital again.

"My brother wants the help. In the hospital, he wasn't seen by anyone in a mental health team, but they said they would get in touch with him the next day.

"To me, my brother has a heart of gold. He would do anything for you and loves everyone. He is very funny, on his good days he is actually hilarious. But that person is now gone and we just want to do anything we can, to try and get him some help.

"It is upsetting because I fear that we are going to find him dead one day if he doesn't get help."

Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.

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