In 1988, a family member quit a professional position to become a self-employed writer/editor even though there was no education in that area. Had mild success for a few years but needed periodic financial support from parents. The bottom fell out and everything was lost--home--car--sold collectables/furniture. Extensive family support since. Is now writing a blog that appeals to only a few and depending on ad clicks for cash. Lives in a residential hotel in a 10 x 10 room that is filthy. Expects family to provide support because he is saving the world. Goes crazy when it is suggested he should get a job--says he already has a job and that family just doesn't understand. He stinks and his teeth are rotting. Help is needed. What can be done?

Need to tell him that the financial support will end on xx/xx/xx - give him maybe 3 months. Let him rant and be mad. You have done far more than he had any right to expect. And tell him no, he doesn't have a job, he has a hobby.

Are you the one that is supporting him or another family member?

If you are not the one supporting him, you really don't have a say in how that family member spends their money. Even if this is your sibling and you don't get as much as this person, it's none of your business how the money is spent.

- you can approach this person about the family member's mental illness. But if it's not bothering them or the person and the person is not harming others, there isn't much to do.

If you are supporting the person, cut them off.

If he were a part of my family I would give notice my last (or next) check is my last. I feel no obligation to support someone who doesn't face reality and habitually accepts handouts. If others in the family continue to support him that's OK, but I'll not be one of them.

Nothing can be done. If that's how he chooses to live his life, it's nobody else's business. If you don't like it you need to learn to deal with it.

You do have the responsibility to get the person help or at least try to. He is obviously sick. Contact social services in your area and see what can be done.