Anorexic Sister refuses help...what do I do?

Question

My sister is anorexic, depressed, and hates herself. She often talks about killing herself and how the world would be better without her. She is 5'7" and weighs less than 80lbs. She is 22, so my parents cannot commit her to a hospital because she is an adult. She is very smart (book smart), so she does a lot of work abroad. By doing this, she just doesn't eat when she is overseas living by herself. No one can stop her because she is an adult and can do what she wants. I have begged her to get help, so has my whole family. SHe is just shutting people out and refuses help. I don't know what to do...I am scared she will die. Is there anyway to get an adult help for an eating disorder if they are not mentally stable? Thanks for your responses!

Answer 1

It's a really tough situation to be in, you have find the root of the problem because there is often a deeper reason than body image or anything like that. Try to compromise with her, maybe just get her to see a psychiatrist somehow who will further help her. If you really feel that she is a threat to her life, you have to do whatever it takes to get her to talk to someone, Try yourself talking to a therapist and asking them whats the best way out of this situation as they have dealt with this kind of thing before. Good luck

Answer 2

You can have her declared incompetent, which would allow your parents to make medical decisions for her, as if she were a minor again.  In order to do this, your parents would need to contact a lawyer, who could advise them on the best course of action.  Another idea is that if your parents help her financially in any way, they could cut her off unless/until she agrees to seek treatment.  

Answer 3

Spend as much time as you can with her, try to help her, and tell her that life is worth living. And also seek help from every friend she has to help her out. I would also call privately suicide help line and ask them about her situation. Don't delay - life is too important and beautiful