You are not logged in.
Hi to all,
I am new to this discussion board process but I thought I would give it a try. A little background, my sister is 23 and currently living at home. She has been battling anorexia, depression, and OCD for atleast 7 years that I know of. We have always been very close and to this day still are. She has admitted her problem about 2 months ago and started seeking help through counselors, support groups, psychiatrists and dietitians. However, I am four hours away at school. I've always been there to listen and help with what I could for her but am feeling at a loss. My parents go to meetings with the counselor and are trying so hard to be supportive but none of this is helping. She is still feeling very depressed and having troubles forcing herself to eat. How do I find support groups for her that we can go to together? or In-patient programs that are affordable since our insurance won't cover anything? Any helpful commentary is greatly appreciated! What do I do?
Laxgrl...
Offline
I am a sister and in recovery. My older sister tried to help in so many was when I was struggling. I ignored her. Your sister has admitted there is a problem. However, does she admit how severe it is? Does your family? It seems like you do.
Eating disorders can cause so many problems medically if not now than in the future. If her current treatment isn't working she may need more. Keep looking. Will your insurance cover day or evening or partial programs? Does she need a different kind of therapy, supportive eating at school or work?
I looked around for myself and my insurance covered very little as well, a common problem. A hospital based program in your area would be the most likely to be covered, but it all depends on their criteria for admission. Look into residential programs around the US because some do payment plans. Ask your church for help. Do a fundraiser. I can't stress how important it is for her to get help. You too. And don't forget to tell her how much you love her, how much she means to you. I hope I posted this correctly as it is my first time responding.
Offline
She has done a program through the hospital that was a partial program I believe. She graduated from the program and still goes to anonymous meetings. However she found a residential program for a lower price and my dad is willing to pay for it but her counselor told her to find a sponsor and a different group and she hasn't done it. I feel like she almost feels like a hopeless cause; like no amount of treatment will help.
I am at a loss currently because I am away at school still for my sport and don't know an exact date of when I can go home. It is frustrating because I guess she was in a family meeting with the counselor and told everyone that I am the closest person to her and she trusts me the most. I try to call her and txt her every day but don't always get responses.
I don't know what other kinds of therapy there are that she hasn't tried. The problem is the multiple situations; eating disorder, addiction to adderall, and severe depression.
Thank you so much for responding. It really helps to hear from the other side of the situation.
Offline
You can call ANAD at (630)577-1330, 9-5 central standard time and they can help you find support groups in your area.
Offline
Maybe you could find a family/friends support group where you are so that you could learn some tips for helping her. Obviously, it's not the same as having you with her, but it may be good for both of you!
It does not matter how deep you fall, but how high you bounce back.
Offline
Sorry to hear of your sister's struggle. It sounds as if she has a lot of support from you and your parents which is wonderful. Please don't despair - your sister can get better. She will need a team approach to cover her co-existing conditions. I don't know if she had these before she got sick because such symptoms also develop as a result of starvation. See the Minnesota Starvation Experiment or ://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hunger-artist/201011/starvation-study-shows-recovery-anorexia-is-possible-only-regaining-weight which refers to it.
In terms of other treatments....have your parents looked into Maudsley? See http://www.maudsleyparents.org/ or http://www.feast-ed.org/ for more info. It has so far been very successful with our D who is 20 and spent the last semester at home in recovery. Or course there are many approaches but this one is becoming more widely used in eating disorder clinics around the country today because of its success.
Offline