In my particular case, my older sister suffered from anorexia and was addicted to dieting. She suffered from this addiction for over 15 years. It put a heavy burden on my family and we were not properly prepared to deal with it. I don't think any amount of planning or talking about it could have fully prepared me but hopefully I can provide someone with a few helpful tips.
I remember finding out about my sister's problem when I was fourteen years old. At that time there was a lot of speculation about whether or not she really did have a problem because other than being skinny, it looked like she lived a normal life. She was popular in school and played multiple sports, including cross-country, which is why I thought she was skinny. I considered my older sister my best friend growing up; she always gave me advice and was there for me when I needed someone to talk to. So I went to her when everyone was accusing her of having an eating disorder and said to her, "If you really have a problem, talk to me about it please. I love you and am here for you." She responded saying thank you and that she knew I was there for her but there was nothing to worry about.
So I dropped every doubt I had about it because I had no reason to hold onto my worries anymore. My big sis would never lie to me! So from then on, every time her name came up in a conversation about her suspicious behavior I would step in to defend her because she wouldn't lie to her baby brother.
About a month went by of me being adamant about my sister's health but one night changed that all. My sister was taking her usual thirty minute shower because you know, girls. So without thinking, I just opened the door up because I really had to pee and wasn't about to wait another ten minutes so she could dry her hair. I walked in and saw my sister lying on the floor, huddled around the toilet with her fingers down her throat, forcing herself to vomit. My heart sunk and could only think of one thing, me. Why would she do this to me? Why would she lie to me? Why doesn't she stop so my family can stop arguing all the time and we can be happy again?
I never once thought of my sister. I didn't ask if she was okay or even attempt to talk to her for a long time because I was so angry. All I thought was how could she do this to ME. This was one of my many mistakes in dealing with an addict. I hope to never make that mistake again and hope no one else does. I was selfish, only thinking of the pain I felt, not of the pain and suffering of my best friend and sister.
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