I posted this on reddit as well, but I really want as many people to help as possible. A card or a letter, anything to try and convince him to carry on.

My younger brother (16) has been diagnosed with depression, borderline bi-polar disorder, rage problems and anti-social tendencies. He has been having these problems since he was 12, when he started public school for the first time (my brother and I were both home-schooled until middle school). He has been a constant target of bullying, to the point of having switched schools three times in two years. Perhaps due to the bullying, he has given up on school, he repeated 8th grade and is a year behind right now. He is a very smart kid, brilliant even when it comes to non-traditional skills- forging swords like a blacksmith, building whatever he needs out of found objects etc.

The problem is now he seems completely resigned to being a “failure”, he sees no point in making an effort in any part of his life. I’ve talked to him endlessly, encouraging him to just finish high school and life will be so much better, telling him he has so many options, peace corps, WOOFING etc. If you could find it in your heart to provide a little insight to a troubled teenager who needs encouragement to just go on and that it does get better, I know it could make a difference…. nothing else has, yet. Note: and yes he is going to a counselor every week, and is on anti-depressants.

Help?