Hi there all, and thank you for your time. My 19 year old sister lives approx 3 hours away from me with our mom, 17 yr old sister and her father (my step dad). After spending some quality time together recently (she visited me for a weekend) I have come to realize that she is suffering from severe and debilitating anxiety. She is on many medication prescribed by her doctor(s) and has gained a lot of weight. She is not your average 19 year old in that she has only a part time job, (10 hours a week), does not drive (afraid to get her license), and is not currently pursuing any college endeavors (fear of college and "getting lost" in a new school). My mother tends to avoid facing the reality that my sister needs more help to begin tackling these fears and anxieties, and tends to leave her to her video games when they are home. My sister has very few responsibilities around the house which I feel is only enabling her. She has only one friend that she speaks to or spends time with, and is afraid to do things on her own without her friend.
As her older sister and a high school teacher, I want to help her in every way I can. I am writing for some advice on how to help my sister without physically being there, and would appreciate some constructive feedback.
Thank you!
Amy
I would recommend just talking to her about it. Try and get her to visit a therapist but a good one. Not one that is there just for the money. I would also try and get her to start eating healthier. Start eating an "anxiety diet" as I call it. Just a diet that would help her anxiety and not make it worse. Try and lose some weight and work on her confidence. You could also try and spend time with her... See if you could help any by just taking her out every once an awhile. Good luck!
Amy
If you are close, you could question why She is having these problems, it may be something has brought on Her concerns, given help and encouragement you may find She will open up to you and explain, this Anxiety, and SAD.
She really needs to see her GP and get some help and encouragement.
She could try Mindfulness Relaxation Techniques also look into other diversions to settle this problem.
She sounds stuck like many young people and I feel She needs to be included in various activities in the home and consider what She wants to do with Her life.
What are the reasons for the Part Time job, is this on purpose or is this to do with Her health fears and concerns ?
You mention a friend, what activities are undertaken there ?
Get her to the GP and explain to your Sister you are concerned for Her, some CBT may help.
You may also have some ideas to help her, further education can be something to introduce something to Her insular nature. She needs new friends and hopefully with College would introduce Her to a new outlook for Her life however you need to be careful how you approach the problem your Sister has
BOB