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My little sister battled anorexia from about age 21-23, received therapy, is currently medicated and most of the time is ok. She's 29 now. I know she will struggle with it all her life, and in times of intense stress it's difficult for her not to fall into old habits. All of this I am used to dealing with and helping her through along with the rest of my family.
But sometimes, when she is extremely tired or extremely stressed, and usually it includes alcohol in some form (no drunkenness per se) she becomes horrifically angry. It's a rare occasion but it's frightening and I wanted to ask the community if anyone else has had experience with anorexics/recovering anorexics behaving this way. She isn't physically abusive, but it's usually something very small that sets her off, that she perceives as a huge insult. This last time - the next day she said she didn't remember much of what happened (throwing her keys against a wall, crying in the bathroom with me about how she wanted to die) just that she felt ashamed. It doesn't seem like a drunken blackout (again - she didn't have much to drink, just a little - and she does drink/have a glass of wine with the family regularly without incident) more like an anger blackout, and it wasn't the first time.
This forum seems like a good place to get outsider perspective and insight, I need to know if this is common to eating disorder victims, or something else entirely. I've already suggested she go back to therapy, and I think she's considering it. I'm the only one she listens to, to a point. I just need someone else to help me know what's going on, if anyone can. Is this the anorexia? I know it never goes away, it just becomes controlled, best case scenario. But when these (few) incidents happen, she seems so very out of control.
Thanks for your time and for reading, and to anyone who has insight here.
M
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M, it could very well be the anorexia,or it could be something else intirely. Has your sister ever gone through anything tramaditic in her past that she can't let go of? I say that because i have gone through alot before i started with my anorexia. I never spoke about it with anyone and it caused alot of hurt and anger. I would blow up at people and would hit walls and cut myself. It's not healthy. She needs help. Keep your head up and keep encouraging her to get help. Sometimes you may be the only person that can really reach out to her and let her know you care. My best wishes. Let me know how things go.
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Yes keep your head up. It's hard, my girlfriend who suffers from anorexia has completely shut me out and broke up with me. She has gone through a lot of stress and during this stressful time she hasn't seen any kind of therapy since May 22. She has lost weight since we have dated and she isn't motivated to get help and sadly I anything I do looks like a boyfriend trying to get back together. Stay motivated and pray that your sister will seek help.
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I'm sorry your family is going through this. Has your sister ever thought about getting her neurotransmitter levels tested or her hormones tested? Imbalances in either of these things can cause the tendency towards "rage" that you're talking about, especially if you add alcohol to the mix, or if your nutritional status is compromised. With your sister it seems like either of these things could be true.
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I am a mother of a 12-year old girl who demonstrates most of the symptoms of AN.It started two months ago.We have gone to the pediatrician and is now into counseling. Tonight, before kissing my daughter goodnight, she opened up a little and admitted that she is scared of gaining weight.I feel so helpless because I monitor her meals, put her on a supplemental protein drink, encourage her, but she is always angry at me. Yesterday, we went to a water park and I saw her body (skin and bones).It was extremely painful! I dont know if I am doing the right thing or if I'm stressing her even more. She sees me as a villain because of the doctor's visits, the counselor, the food. How do I help? I cry when she is not around.Thank you for whatever advice you can offer.
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Hi everyone. I have a younger sister who has anorexia. It kills me not knowing how to help her and seeing her in this position. I know my mom and dad and I love her so much and we support her 100% everyday. Even though we are there for her, she seems to push us away sometimes, esp during meal time. I have a feeling she hates me now, because of how protective and observing I've been. I know my sister. I know how she feels after she eats a meal with us. I see how she thinks she's fat, and it hurts. I know what she thinks about when we eat. She rarely eats snacks, or desserts that she used to love. It hurts to see my sister like this. I want to help her, but I need to be careful about it, as she gets angry at me if I try to assist. She doesn't like being put on the spot for her problems, and can be difficult to talk to sometimes. I want to give her her space, but I hate seeing my sister like this. Any advice? Much appreciated.
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Hi Leta24,
You are very kind and courageous! Your sister is one lucky girl for having you as her protector.I know it is difficult on your part to see her go through this issue, but stay strong and faithful. You are doing a swell job just by making her smile. She doesn't hate you. It is the eating disorder that makes her moods change drastically.Stay calm and supportive because things will get better.Keep the faith and believe in the strength of your family.I admire you!Hang in there.
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