I truly understand.
What a difficult and not-so-proud life I have lead because alcoholism/drug addiction/mental illness/tragic death/depression/divorce/lack of Christianity/domestic violence/instability/Native American ethnicity raced throughout both of my family trees.
And such a tragedy that I face all these problems myself.
My uncle, who lived in LA, was a heroin addict. He also was a schizophrenic. Or was said to be, I don't know, it was a rumour. But he died in the early 90's of AIDS.
I myself battle an addiction to painkillers and alcohol.
A drug is a drug is a drug is a drug.
All I can say, is that I hope no one wants to give up on me. Even though often times I want to give up on me.
I'm sure your brother feels the same way. I'm sure there are millions out there that feel the same way.
Don't laugh and point, because, sure enough, either that will be you, or someone you will care about.
I have not tried committing suicide, or never shall I caricature the person who has, or judge them, but I have had thoughts, which is common. But a person who has had those thoughts and tried, well, they should get serious help. Manic-depressive, bi-polar, and depression, etc are totally different things and should not be mistaken for one another.
My step-father was dealt as a depression case, not a bi-polar case and therefore, results were opposite of the intention. Be sure of what your psychologist/psychotherapist says. If they want to medicate right away without probing deep into family history, write them off.
Well I can't go more into it on this forum. But I do have seriously more insight.
Maybe he SHOULD get in contact with both mysticchild and I and form a support group.
And you as well, we all suffer and learn and heal together.
I'm sorry. I'll be praying for you, your brother and your family. 
