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SaintsCasual Contributor
Our daughter has been diagnosed with bulimea and is waiting for a short stay vacancy. now she is having second thoughts and may refuse to go even though her family, GP and psychologist strongly recommend she goes. We love and support her, but we can’t force her to go?! She is over 18.
In response to: Advice
hopeful_hannahModerator
Hello @Saints
Thank you for showing up and sharing so openly and honestly. My heart goes out to you and your family during this challenging time. I'm sure there will be others in the forums community who will chime in with some support and ideas.
Have you heard of the Butterfly Foundation? Here is a link to their website and helpline.
They might be able to offer you and your family some support.
Helpline - Butterfly Foundation
Caring for someone with an eating disorder - Butterfly Foundation
The forums is a beautiful supportive community where people share their experience, challenges, coping strategies and more. Since you are new to the forums you might like to check out this link and introduce yourself https://saneforums.org/t5/Welcome-and-getting-started/Welcome-Introduce-yourself-here/m-p/1149480
We're glad you're here with us.
Sending you all my best.
hopeful_hannah 🤗
In response to: Advice
MatchaToadPeer Guide
Hey @Saints
Dealing with a diagnosis like this is incredibly taxing, and feeling caught between your daughter's autonomy and her urgent medical needs is a heavy burden to carry.
I can only imagine how incredibly difficult and heart-wrenching this must be for you and your family. It's clear how much you love her, and that feeling of powerlessness when an adult child resists the help they need is exhausting and saddening.
It makes sense that she's feeling scared and having second thoughts. Stepping into treatment is a huge leap, and it can be quite overwhelming. Even if she is over 18 and technically in the driver's seat, your steady presence and refusal to give up on her are perhaps her strongest safety nets.
Something I recommend trying is asking her curious questions to explore why she's feeling the way she is, which might make her more comfortable and brave to go ahead with treatment (e.g., "What is the scariest part about going?" rather than "Why won't you go?").
And while no one can force her, you can set boundaries about what you and your family can support at home if she chooses not to seek professional help.
I highly recommend having a look at the Butterfly Foundation for support and resources for Eating Disorders.
Sending you all strength as you, your family and daughter navigate this journey; I'm hoping she finds the courage to take that step.
In response to: Re: Advice
SaintsCasual Contributor
In response to: Advice
tymeModerator
Hi @Saints ,
I hear your daughter's fear and apprehension. It sounds incredibly hard for you all.
I hope she finds a way to have hope, and only then will she be able to make the most of the stay. I hear that its not going to be easy for anyone.
Fingers crossed things work out.
Please remember your own wellbeing. As carers, we tend to give all, but we know we can't pour from an empty cup.
We look forward to hearing how it all goes.
In response to: Re: Advice
tymeModerator
How's your daughter going? @Saints
In response to: Re: Advice
SaintsCasual Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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