Hello! I’m a bit lost and could use some advice.
My little sister has spiralled into anorexia very quickly, from us (me and Mum) getting a little concerned at her exercise and feeding regimen at the end of April, to her getting admitted to a specialist unit at the end of June. She’s 16, and technically my half sister, although we have never referred to it, or felt, that way. I am 29, and live in the UK as an expat, the rest of the family is in France.
I have some time away from work and managed to find decent flights despite peak season, so I am here for a little while, can extend if needs be, work is understanding. Before that, we were in touch by text/calls every day, for a bit of light hearted chat and support. Be it on the phone or in person, I don’t know what to say/do to support her and help her on the way to recovery.
I am deeply affected by the situation (there’s a lot of shit going on, this has not been a great summer for my family) and, despite telling myself I should not, and would not cry, when I saw her, I burst in tears on my first visit, hugging her frail shape and seeing her with an NG tube, it was just a huge shock.
Has anyone been in my situation or on the other side? Is there anything I can do while I’m here, and more importantly, once I inevitably have to be away again?