I feel so helpless, sad and at a complete loss as to how I can fix this. My ds is anorexic and possibly an alcoholic. Every time I see her I swear she's thinner and I'm terrified eventually she'll starve herself to death.
She still lives at home and my dm is really struggling to cope with her. I can't help feel some resentment towards my ds, she's causing my dm so much stress at a time when she should be looking forward to retirement and enjoying herself. I understand both anorexia and alcoholism are illnesses (I too had anorexia in my teens and early twenties) however I firmly believe they are illnesses that you can choose to fight. My ds is in complete denial about both problems and becomes very defensive when you try to broach the subject with her. What's more she's a nasty drunk and my dm is usually on the receiving end.
Having had my dm round for a visit today, and seeing how much pain the whole situation is causing her, I feel as the eldest I need to step in. I have no idea how to confront my ds and try and persuade her to get help without her feeling attacked. She is extremely sensitive and child like which makes discussing things like adults incredibly difficult. I suppose I'm posting here to seek advice as to the best way to approach things with her (and because I can't sleep for worry about the whole situation). I'm fully aware that I can't fix everything and that she has to want to get better, however I also know I can't just do nothing while my ds destroys herself infront of my dm.