Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I found out on Monday my twin sister has been fighting an eating disorder for three years, has been cutting herself, and has such severe social anxiety she can't be in public for more than ten minutes without having a panic attack. I don't know how I missed it - always saying she wasn't that hungry, always avoiding social situations - but I did. I found out by accident, when I found her on Tumblr. I told her she didn't have to talk to me if she didn't want to, but I was here if she wanted to listen.
She *is* seeing someone, so at least that's good. But, she made the cardinal mistake: she told our parents. They reacted pretty much how I expected them to - telling her she didn't need meds or therapy, and to just get over it - but she was completely blindsided by that response. She'd been expecting them to at least try to support her.
She was the only reason I made it through high school. She was the only person in my family I could see myself telling about *my* struggles, but I can't do that now. I can't add to her burden.
What's worse, part of me feels validated. It's like, someone else in my family is as screwed up as I am. It's not just me who ended up wrong. The rest of me is incredibly guilty over feeling validated.
I just don't know where to go from here.
She *is* seeing someone, so at least that's good. But, she made the cardinal mistake: she told our parents. They reacted pretty much how I expected them to - telling her she didn't need meds or therapy, and to just get over it - but she was completely blindsided by that response. She'd been expecting them to at least try to support her.
She was the only reason I made it through high school. She was the only person in my family I could see myself telling about *my* struggles, but I can't do that now. I can't add to her burden.
What's worse, part of me feels validated. It's like, someone else in my family is as screwed up as I am. It's not just me who ended up wrong. The rest of me is incredibly guilty over feeling validated.
I just don't know where to go from here.
In fact as I am getting older (and older and older- thank God) I realize that most of my brothers and sisters are a little off!- My dad was a non-participant and my mom was a New England dont be ridiculous typer-- In my childhood I had every symptom of mental illness that one could want -mom was a nurse- but we were supposed to offer up our suffering and get over it. (when it was talked about at all)- I think it was that generation, not to acknowledge mental illness. - she was still doing it up until she went in the nursing home.
Now I will offer my suggestion to your question- love your sister, tell her that you will help her when she needs you- practice going out a little with her- tell her that she looks normal when you are out with her. Remind her that everyone else is more interested in how they look themselves. Talk with her about cutting, it really is good for her to talk about with someone. Thats a start.
Oh, and dont talk about it with your parents- they are not going to change.
Good luck!