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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I don’t like my sister and I don’t care about her “mental health”

277 replies

Hoverfly1 · 15/09/2024 15:59

My sister is an alcoholic, she has lost her children because of it. She just sits in her filthy house all day drinking. She never makes any effort to deal with any of her problems, she denies that she drinks but she very much does, I think all day every day levels of alcoholism. I am sure that this is what the majority of her issues are caused by. She says she has bad anxiety and depression so can’t do anything for herself. She won’t even leave her house to go to the shop and will make out mum fetch anything she needs (my mum won’t buy her alcohol though and she clearly manages to get out the house for that).

She constantly phones me and my mum day and night about the most ridiculous things when she is drunk. Arguments she has had with her ex partner or things that have happened years ago, she once called me relentlessly in the middle of the night to tell me all her problems were my fault because I once pushed her off a swing when we were kids (I did do this when I was about 7).

If she doesn’t get enough attention from us because we are both busy (dm is 63 still works full time and my sisters children also live with her full time so she has a huge amount on her plate already, I am a single parent with a full time job) she will start sending us photos of self harm or threatening to kill herself, she has also harmed herself and phoned ambulances a lot in the past which means my mother will have to go and pick her up from hospital at all times of the night.

She once told me she had cancer and was going to die, which I never believed but she would message me about it every day telling me about the drs appointments she had been too. Once it became clear no one believed her she just deleted all the messages she’s sent about it and denied she had ever said it, then accused me of making things up and “gaslighting” her. she has also made up having dementia and pregnancies and miscarriages as well.

Todays she sent me a message first thing the morning implying she had been sexually assaulted. When I ignored it because I was driving she immediately followed it up with self harm photos. When i asked her where she was she said she had gone to stay with friends for a few days and been out drinking with them, despite the fact that she hasn’t bothered to walk down the street to see her own children for months because she of her “anxiety”. At that moment I just realised I don’t care anymore. I don’t like her as a person and I’m sick of being manipulated by her. I told her she was selfish and manipulative and asked her not to contact me again. I also suffer from depression and anxiety which I take medication for and I find the way she behaves very hard to deal with. I think this makes it harder for me to feel sorry for her though because I HAVE to deal with my problems there so no one to step in and help me if I don’t want to get out of bed one day. I can’t understand why she doesn’t want to help herself a little bit, I’m starting to thinks she actually likes living like this.

I know this makes me a bad person because she obviously does have issues but I honestly don’t want to ever see her or talk to her again I know other people will judge me for it, i also know she will have shared the message I sent to her with a lot of people who will think I’m being horrible, she will very likely harm herself in some way because of it I’m scared she will actually do something serious.

How are you supposed to deal with someone like this without making things worse for them!?

OP posts:
dapsnotplimsolls · 15/09/2024 17:01

I'd be tempted to tell her you'll support her when she's ready to seek professional help. Then block her and focus on supporting your Mum.

70s · 15/09/2024 17:02

Hoverfly1 · 15/09/2024 15:59

My sister is an alcoholic, she has lost her children because of it. She just sits in her filthy house all day drinking. She never makes any effort to deal with any of her problems, she denies that she drinks but she very much does, I think all day every day levels of alcoholism. I am sure that this is what the majority of her issues are caused by. She says she has bad anxiety and depression so can’t do anything for herself. She won’t even leave her house to go to the shop and will make out mum fetch anything she needs (my mum won’t buy her alcohol though and she clearly manages to get out the house for that).

She constantly phones me and my mum day and night about the most ridiculous things when she is drunk. Arguments she has had with her ex partner or things that have happened years ago, she once called me relentlessly in the middle of the night to tell me all her problems were my fault because I once pushed her off a swing when we were kids (I did do this when I was about 7).

If she doesn’t get enough attention from us because we are both busy (dm is 63 still works full time and my sisters children also live with her full time so she has a huge amount on her plate already, I am a single parent with a full time job) she will start sending us photos of self harm or threatening to kill herself, she has also harmed herself and phoned ambulances a lot in the past which means my mother will have to go and pick her up from hospital at all times of the night.

She once told me she had cancer and was going to die, which I never believed but she would message me about it every day telling me about the drs appointments she had been too. Once it became clear no one believed her she just deleted all the messages she’s sent about it and denied she had ever said it, then accused me of making things up and “gaslighting” her. she has also made up having dementia and pregnancies and miscarriages as well.

Todays she sent me a message first thing the morning implying she had been sexually assaulted. When I ignored it because I was driving she immediately followed it up with self harm photos. When i asked her where she was she said she had gone to stay with friends for a few days and been out drinking with them, despite the fact that she hasn’t bothered to walk down the street to see her own children for months because she of her “anxiety”. At that moment I just realised I don’t care anymore. I don’t like her as a person and I’m sick of being manipulated by her. I told her she was selfish and manipulative and asked her not to contact me again. I also suffer from depression and anxiety which I take medication for and I find the way she behaves very hard to deal with. I think this makes it harder for me to feel sorry for her though because I HAVE to deal with my problems there so no one to step in and help me if I don’t want to get out of bed one day. I can’t understand why she doesn’t want to help herself a little bit, I’m starting to thinks she actually likes living like this.

I know this makes me a bad person because she obviously does have issues but I honestly don’t want to ever see her or talk to her again I know other people will judge me for it, i also know she will have shared the message I sent to her with a lot of people who will think I’m being horrible, she will very likely harm herself in some way because of it I’m scared she will actually do something serious.

How are you supposed to deal with someone like this without making things worse for them!?

I feel for you. I have had this for 29 years with a heroin addict brother. Please inbox for more details. I also have a support thread in addictions. I love him I have hated him and wished him dead as he lay in life support. Does that make me a bad person? No it doesn’t. It is called enough! Then things changed. While he uses- heroin, weed, drink etc. We have nothing to do with him at all. It will help you as that is all you can control, yourself. Remember you didn’t cause it, you can’t change this and you cannot control it but you can look after yourself xx

MouseMama · 15/09/2024 17:04

Sister or not, I doubt many people
Could tolerate having someone like this in their lives. She sounds awful.

And your mum…! What a huge responsibility she has taken on, she must be exhausted.

Namerchangee · 15/09/2024 17:05

You are not a bad person. Has your sister been diagnosed with a personality disorder? What you’re describing sounds like EUPD.

ACynicalDad · 15/09/2024 17:05

If you don’t like a relative there is no need to be in contact. I know it feels awful but consider blocking her.

Drearydiedre · 15/09/2024 17:06

You're not a bad person. It is such an awful thing to deal with. Do what you need to do to stay well for your children.

AgileGreenSeal · 15/09/2024 17:07

The only thing I can add to the great advice here is to get in touch with Al-anon if you feel you would like some support for yourself. Alcoholism is absolutely merciless.

Samesameandsameagain · 15/09/2024 17:08

Go NC. It’s the only way.

I have a similar sister, she’s RUINED my life. On occasion she gave MY details when presenting at A and E for self harm - for some reason this went unnoticed and unchecked till I applied for life insurance and then I found out and I can’t get it changed . It’s been devastating

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 15/09/2024 17:08

Cutting her off for your own sanity is completely acceptable and justifiable. At the very least you need to set strong boundaries. SMART recovery family & friends is really good for giving you tools to help with this. I find them more practical than al-anon.

pikkumyy77 · 15/09/2024 17:08

Differentstarts · 15/09/2024 16:57

Because comments like this is why bpd has so much stigma around it none of what op has said is the criteria for bpd

BPD, or EUPD, is quite common. The Sister ticks a lot of boxes for the criteria and its on a continuum, of course, like a lot of personality disorders. The outrageous behavior OP is describing is not just because of the alcoholism. The alcoholism is probably an attempt to self medicate as much as anything.

Look/-I agree that accusations of BPD are often silly and misogynistic but the dx can be useful for family members and friends trying to cope with certain kinds of people with unstable/shifting/explosive/manipulative character strategies. I would highly recommend OP look into Stop Walking On Eggshells and also join al anon to learn strategies that will protect her from her sister.

UrbanFan · 15/09/2024 17:10

For your own sanity cut her off. Block her and don't respond to anything she might send you. She sounds awful and just because she is your sister doesn't mean you must care or be involved.

I know it sounds harsh. But don't let her ruin your life. She's going to come to a bad end whatever you or your mother try to do. None of it, and I mean none of it is your fault or responsibility.

You have your own life and family. Crack on with that and don't look back.

PinkyFlamingo · 15/09/2024 17:12

Differentstarts · 15/09/2024 16:54

Wow that was harsh

Why on earth is that harsh?

There are clearly personality issues in the sister and I wouldnt be surprised in the slightest if she has BPD.

PinkyFlamingo · 15/09/2024 17:14

Differentstarts · 15/09/2024 16:57

Because comments like this is why bpd has so much stigma around it none of what op has said is the criteria for bpd

Plenty of what the OP has said meets the criteria actually.

lightsandtunnels · 15/09/2024 17:14

This does not make you a bad person OP. I hope the number of people telling you this will help you to believe this.
She is an adult in charge of her own life and she will make her own choices whatever you say or do. She is being manipulative and hugely selfish and is clearly an attention seeker. She sounds like another one who puts herself at the centre of her own world the whole time.
You owe her nothing.
She's your sister ... so?! And?!
You need to live your own life and deserve to live it without the toxic daily interference from this woman - even if she is your sister.
I hope you find the strength to cut her off OP.

peesinapod · 15/09/2024 17:20

You're not a bad person. In reality, the only person who can help her is herself.
It's sad that you have to see your sister go through this but all you can do is support her if and when she chooses to make changes.
It all wears thin after a while.

Demonhunter · 15/09/2024 17:20

Support, sympathy and compassion can only stretch so far, and if you're only getting constant negatives back and seeing no change in what sounds like years, no one could blame you for stepping back. It doesn't make you a bad person, it makes you human and not a willing martyr.

norhyme · 15/09/2024 17:21

Her alcoholism is an illness.

You've put up with a lot too and can't protect your own mental health if you allow all of this to continue as it has, but it's not helpful to think of it as 'self inflicted'. She's ill and needs help.

Alwaysoneoddsock · 15/09/2024 17:21

You’re not a bad person. If I was in your position I might feel sorry for the way the person is feeling and living but I would accept there is nothing I could do to fix them. You have to protect your mental health.

Differentstarts · 15/09/2024 17:21

PinkyFlamingo · 15/09/2024 17:14

Plenty of what the OP has said meets the criteria actually.

No it doesn't

LegoHouse274 · 15/09/2024 17:26

This is very similar to my MIL but no alcohol, prescription drugs instead and a personality disorder.

DH went NC a few weeks after DC1 was born which was over 6yrs ago now. In that time she has sent him only a handful of texts which he's ignored. I can't actually imagine our lives with her in it with the kids tbh. I mean Ive always said I'd support him whatever he wants to do in relation to his relationship with her but it was just so damaging for him. Some of the stories from his childhood too are horrible.

Crumpleton · 15/09/2024 17:26

I thought that you'd all be on the older side but reading your DM is only 63, she's still pretty young ish herself so you and your sister can't be that old..

Not that this matters, just musing really

It doesn't matter how much you do for your sister it'll never be enough, anyone in her position has to start by helping themselves, but very rarely is that a solution they see, because as you say they see it as never being at fault.

Unless she starts getting help from the proper channels she'll always be one of life's self made victims.

What exactly is it she wants from you, you can't stop her drinking, you can't stop her from reaching for her phone and calling you numerous times a day at all hours, you can't even stop her from self harming your sister has to be the one to make those decisions.

I'd have thought losing her DC might have been a wake up call but clearly that doesn't seem to be the case here.

Truth is it sounds like SHE is a problem of her own making and if she won't find a solution in the way of help through her GP, and sticking to it then there's nothing that you can do.

You need to be a bit tough and tell her she either seeks help and you'll be there to support her or she continues on the path she's on and you'll cut all communication.
Those are the only two choices you're willing to offer.

Please though, if she carries on don't feel bad to cut her out of your life, you've your own life to live don't be held back by problems that you really can't find a solution to.
Don't waste your years just because your sister wants to waste hers.

TheGander · 15/09/2024 17:26

I agree, take a big step back and don’t feel guilty. I say that as someone supporting a brother with lifelong mental illness ( it’s draining at times). At least he doesn’t put me through the vicious personal abuse your sister directs at you.

kiki22 · 15/09/2024 17:28

I could have written this post including the fake illnesses and miscarriages. I once went to the hospital with my sister during a 'miscarriage' and the nurse told her she just had her period and couldn't have been pregnant. She turned it into the nurse hates me and is making up lies to make me look bad. It was the most bonkers thing to see. My sisters child also lives with my mum 5 mins down the road she wouldn't see them due to anxiety but never had a problem going out drinking.

I walked away 3 years ago and my life has never been better. I really didn't realise how her behaviour had poisoned my while life and all my relationships until she was gone. I was constantly stressed, worried or angry. You do not have to stay around someone who is emotionally abusive because they have problems. You can walk away and you should. I hope the rest of your life is happy and settled without the madness tainting everything.

Please reach out if you need support.

RedToothBrush · 15/09/2024 17:29

I know this makes me a bad person because she obviously does have issues but I honestly don’t want to ever see her or talk to her again I know other people will judge me for it, i also know she will have shared the message I sent to her with a lot of people who will think I’m being horrible, she will very likely harm herself in some way because of it I’m scared she will actually do something serious.

Why? Honestly. There will be a lot of people who will not judge you at all. The circumstances are not easy. You have a right to look after your own wellbeing.

How are you supposed to deal with someone like this without making things worse for them!?

Why is it your responsibility to do this?

If someone doesn't want help, you can't help them. Its very common that they have to hit rock bottom before they will do anything. This means trying to shore them up is often counter productive and only prolongs the issue. It doesn't help.

The kindest thing, might actually be to step away and to go no contact. For your own well being and because until you do she'll never do anything.

When it comes down to it, you can't save her and you can't protect her. Once you realise that you'll release yourself from the guilt.

This is not YOUR problem to fix. Its hers.

Start looking after yourself. If she wants a relationship with alcohol she can't have a relationship with you.

kαλοκαλοκαιρι · 15/09/2024 17:30

just wanted to send you love and say that none of this makes you a bad person. it’s like reading the story of my life except swapping sister for mum. would not wish trying to love someone who refuses to help themselves on anyone. take care of yourself x