We are both in our thirties. My brother gained an incredible understanding of politics at a young age. He is VERY ANTI WOKE, to this day.
He’s always had a full time job, often 40-60 hrs weekly. Single guy, no children. Very upset about the stolen 2020 election, he was convinced we were going to civil war, like HOT war. Stopped working completely about 7 months ago.
He hates the idea of any type of work. Huge ego problem. No longer takes accountability. He stopped all drinking about 3 months ago. I was hoping we might see improvement. He has now achieved, what I believe to be his “final hollow form”. He sucks all joy from the room. He finds pleasure in absolutely nothing. He plays video games but he doesn’t even seem to enjoy those much anymore.
This is a guy who deeply understands the conversations between Jordan Peterson and Sam Harris. He had an INCREDIBLE wealth of self help knowledge. He has rehabilitated two very close friends with severe drug issues, years apart. Both success stories, not outstanding guys, but both turned their lives around.
He is also a huge fan of Jocko (if you’re not familiar, check him out. Legend has it he didn’t want to fill out any paperwork when his service with the SEAL team was up, he just left, end of story).
Today he helped me with a job. Standing near him was unfamiliar. I felt like I was standing next to a stranger. My brother and I were mostly inseparable until our 20’s. I know my brother better than anyone and it wasn’t him. It looked like him but his presence was spooky. I was actually looking forward to time with him today.
My mother, who had to drive him over (since he decided he no longer needs a vehicle) said she also was super disturbed by his presence today. She sobbed nearly half the car ride.
I’m a grown ass man. Being in the presence of my brother had me on the verge of a mental breakdown. He will not allow joy in his presence. He is a master at manipulating any situation into a miserable experience.
If this isn’t demonic possession, I’d greatly appreciate insight or input as to what you may believe we are witnessing.
JESUS CHRIST IS KING!!!!!
Has anyone suggested or asked about nutritional deficiencies?
I believe this is very possible. I can’t imagine checking in every day to see if he’s taken his vitamins. I’m not shitting on your response, my response has been the same to most.
I feel like it’s the old “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink” to which I add, “and maybe it’s time to take a step back when the only solution that comes to mind is drowning the horse”
I will however say, if I suggest this to my mother, she might work really hard with him to get his nutrition on track. I hate to leave it in her hands but she has a wealth of time compared to me.
Diet alone can't fix some deficiencies. I would kindly suggest to him that if he feels depressed that he should get his vitamin D and b12 looked at. Maybe a full work up. If he's just mad at you, okay fine, but if his personality is changing or he's noticed himself withdrawn, it could be low D. It so common and the hospitals won't generally tell people about this.
I'd tell my own brother that he doesnt even have to talk to me but please listen and please consider a nutritional deficiency. People would be very understanding as, for example, b1 or b12 deficiency is debilitating.
I’ve relayed the vitamin deficiency info to my mother. She finds some hope in this.
He doesn’t leave his house often but yesterday he told me he was enjoying the warm spring weather. He said “this is the weather I’ve been waiting for”, it was the most positive thing I’ve heard him say in months, maybe years now.
If I was a betting person, I'd put my money on low vitamin D
GOOD! That's why I take the time to share! There is hope. If you haven't ruled out nutritional deficiencies, you all have every reason to hold out hope. Low vitamin D is debilitating.
Message me any time if you all make headway on his nutrition.
One idea: you could both order vitamin D panels online and go in person together and find out what both your levels are. Kinda fun? Take your mom too. If anyone is low, take the bloodwork to your doctor. https://questdirect.questdiagnostics.com/products/vitamin-d-test/e6a0a760-1ad7-430c-8a9e-b685bc793ba0
Also, learn about proper supplementation - https://www.youtube.com/c/DrEricBergDC/search?query=vitamin%20D
For example, D needs K2 and magnesium. Low D can also cause low calcium and then here come the cavities and osteopenia.
Who is feeding him? Is he eating at your Mother's table?
He is feeding himself. He recently decided he did not need a car so he walks to the grocery store a mile away from his house.
He eats mostly low carb meals. He drinks Diet Pepsi by the gallon. I’d estimate 3-10 cans a day depending on his stock. I’m certain it is contributing but even at his absolute best he was a Diet Pepsi fiend.
Chronic aspartame intake causes changes in the trans-sulphuration pathway, glutathione depletion and liver damage in mice - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5300302/