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How can I help my younger sister who just been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety?

somatization comprehensive examination severe condition bipolar disorder uncle moving out
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How can I help my younger sister who just been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

My parents seem reluctant to acknowledge this issue now, but I'm working hard to persuade them. They plan to visit another hospital for a more comprehensive examination. My sister's condition is still severe; she experiences somatization, has stomach pain during anxiety, and frequently mentions the word "death." When I had dinner with her after school today, she talked a lot, sharing some school events, mostly one-sided, almost trying to please me and my father.

We usually live with our grandparents, parents, and my uncle (who has had bipolar disorder for years). Our grandparents and uncle will move out by the end of the year. My parents are quite busy with work, and their tempers aren't the best. My sister is afraid of the dark and has mentioned multiple times that if she's alone at home, she would be extremely scared.

I really need help! When I think about it, I've been quite tired lately^-^. I hope everything will get better.

Jamie Lauren Foster Jamie Lauren Foster A total of 8062 people have been helped

I can tell you love your sister so much, and I admire your concern for her illness. You've done a great job of getting the whole family to face this matter seriously and help your sister. It's so good to hear that your efforts have had a positive effect, and that your parents are willing to take your sister to another hospital for a comprehensive examination.

It's so important to get a professional diagnosis and medical treatment for depression and anxiety. It can be really helpful to combine this with psychological counseling. And it's so good for family members to be there for each other with lots of love and support, and to help out with everyday things.

Let your sister know that she's not alone in facing these tough emotions. She can count on her family to care about her feelings and to try to understand her.

It's totally understandable that you can't be there for her all the time or fully meet her needs. What's really important is that she knows the family is there for her when she needs us. It would also be really helpful if her teachers and classmates at school could give her some encouragement.

It'll take some time and effort for your sister to recover from depression, but she'll get there! Be patient and stable for her, and try not to worry. When you're spending time with her, don't try to cheer her up or give her advice. Instead, you can guide her to talk about her thoughts and feelings by asking questions and having discussions.

It's so important to encourage her to maintain some regular activities, such as going for a walk, running, and basking in the sun when the weather is nice. It's also a great idea to ask her what interests her and support her in trying it out and doing it.

While you're taking care of your sister, it's also really important to take care of yourself. Looking after people with depression can be really tough. If you feel a bit down, don't bottle it up. Chat to other family members, friends or even a professional counsellor or listener. They'll be able to help you relax.

Another great way to help yourself feel better is to do some exercise. Going for a walk, running, or even just doing some gentle yoga can really help to release stress and establish a positive emotional experience.

You might also like to read some related articles on psychological platforms. There are lots of great resources you can share with family members of people with depression and anxiety disorders. There's a wonderful book called "My Child Has Depression: A Family Guide to Teen Depression" that you can read with your family. It's a great way to increase your understanding of people with depression and see suggestions for family support.

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Evelyn King Evelyn King A total of 7656 people have been helped

You can help your sister with her severe depression and anxiety by:

1. Give emotional support and understanding.

Show your younger sister love and support. Let her know you'll always be there for her.

Listen to her, encourage her to share her feelings, and don't judge her.

Tell her that depression and anxiety are treatable and not her fault.

2. Create a safe environment.

- Have family stay with her at home or give her things to make her feel safe.

- Talk to parents so someone in the family can help her when she needs it.

3. Get professional help.

- Help the parents take the younger sister to a doctor for a checkup and treatment, including medicine and counseling.

- Stay in touch with the teacher and let the school know about her situation.

4. Improve the family atmosphere:

- Try to make things more relaxed at home. Parents should work less and spend more time with their daughter.

- Parents should be mindful of their words and actions, avoid losing their temper at their sister when they are emotionally unstable, and educate the whole family to understand their sister's symptoms and work together to create a warm and harmonious family environment.

5. Self-care:

While helping your sister, take care of yourself too. Your mental health is important. Don't forget to relax.

You can find local support groups or online resources to exchange experiences with other families who have similar experiences.

6. Follow up on the treatment regularly.

Make sure she takes her medicine and goes to therapy.

Check her mood, record any changes, and report back to the doctor.

By taking these steps, you can help your sister and encourage family members to work together to support her. This process requires patience and persistence, but with perseverance, you will see results.

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Andrew Baker Andrew Baker A total of 4549 people have been helped

Hello, I'm Sister Super from Yixinli, and I'm here to help!

How old are you?

From your description, I can see that you are very brave and want to take responsibility for taking care of your sister. You are also very wise, knowing how to persuade your parents to understand your sister and also know how to come to this platform for help. I admire you and give you a big thumbs up!

Is severe depression and anxiety disorder a diagnosis made by a psychiatrist? You should first calm down. It is true that many students nowadays suffer from depression and anxiety, just like a "bad cold." With methods and love, they will gradually get better. You can try the following suggestions:

1. Understanding and acceptance: The first and most important thing you can do is to give your sister all the understanding and support she needs to understand that depression and anxiety disorders are diseases, not personal weaknesses or failures. She should never feel ashamed or blame herself for this.

2. Seek professional treatment: It's time to get your sister the help she needs! Encourage and accompany her to seek professional mental health services as soon as possible, such as psychological counseling, psychiatrists, etc. Let's give her the best chance at recovery by ensuring she has access to the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include various methods such as drug therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family therapy.

3. Daily life care: Make sure she's getting the right amount of sleep, eating well, and sticking to her routine. Get her moving with some moderate exercise like walking, playing sports, or anything else she enjoys! It'll not only help her relax and unwind, but it'll also give her a boost of energy.

If your sister likes listening to music, you should definitely listen to it more! Music and painting are both great ways to help with emotional healing.

4. Emotional support and companionship: Spend more time with her, listen to her, and let her feel the warmth and love of the family. When she is willing to share, listen patiently, respond positively, do not judge, and do not negate her feelings. It's so important to be there for her and to show her that she's loved and supported.

5. Create a relaxing environment: It's time to make your sister's space as calm and cozy as can be! Remove any stressors from her life, create a quiet, comfortable home environment, and avoid excessive pressure to learn and high expectations. Safety and health are the most important things, so let's make sure she has everything she needs to thrive!

6. Positive encouragement: Get her involved in activities that will make her feel great! Find out what your sister loves or is good at and encourage her to do more of it. She'll build confidence and have fun doing it! Just make sure you're up to the task and don't push her too hard.

7. Education and guidance: It's so important to introduce her to mental health knowledge and teach her some techniques for coping with anxiety and depression. There are so many great options out there, like abdominal breathing, meditation, and mandala painting.

And finally, remember that this is a process that requires time and patience. Everyone recovers at a different pace, and what is important is continuous support and a positive attitude towards treatment. At the same time, as family members, you should also pay attention to self-care and maintain a good attitude, so that you can better accompany and support your sister.

You've got this! When you're feeling your best, you'll have all the energy you need to take care of your sister.

Take good care of yourself, and you'll see everything turn out for the best! ? May your wishes come true!

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Quentin Alexander Sullivan-Rodriguez Quentin Alexander Sullivan-Rodriguez A total of 7540 people have been helped

Hello, question asker! I am happy to answer your question to the best of my ability.

From what you have described, it seems like a challenging situation.

1. My sister has recently been diagnosed with major depression, which has manifested in some somatic symptoms, and she also displays some concerning verbal behaviors, including frequent references to death.

2. It seems that your parents are reluctant to admit this, which is actually a common phenomenon nowadays. There may be two reasons for this: many parents don't know much about mental illness, which is the main reason, and there is a misunderstanding of mental illness in traditional concepts, which is considered a mental illness, so they are reluctant to accept this fact.

3. From what you have described, it seems that your sister may be trying to please you, but she may also need to communicate more to alleviate her sense of loneliness. It seems that she lacks companionship and is afraid of the dark and being alone.

4. You could be seen as someone who is responsible, able to share your parents' worries, and who is willing to help your sister find a solution to the problem.

How might we proceed?

Once a diagnosis of major depression has been made, it would be advisable to strictly follow the doctor's instructions, urge your sister to take her medication on time, and have regular follow-up visits. At the same time, you may also wish to consider seeking professional psychological counseling to explore the root causes of your sister's depression and systematically solve the problem.

It would be helpful for parents to communicate with you, guide you, and help you to correctly understand mental illness. They may need to accept the fact that their younger sister has been diagnosed with severe depression. It's possible that only on the basis of understanding can they help their younger sister recover.

It might be helpful to spend more time with your sister, communicate with her more, take her out to play with her peers more often, try to keep her company as much as possible, and to pay attention to her words and actions at all times. If there is a crisis, it might be beneficial to seek timely intervention from a professional psychological institution (there are crisis intervention teams in the community and at school).

I can relate to your situation. It's important to remember that overcoming severe depression takes time, and the support of your family is invaluable. I have faith that with your efforts, you will be able to help your sister find her way out of this emotional low.

I encourage you to keep going.

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Maximus Thompson Maximus Thompson A total of 1240 people have been helped

Dear questioner, I support you.

Your sister has severe anxiety and depression, and you are worried. You are also helping your parents and sister. You have done a good job, and everyone is relieved.

In a big family, there are many relationships to deal with. Living with your grandparents and an uncle who has been in a relationship with your grandparents for many years must have caused your grandparents a lot of pain. It also has to do with who raised them.

Every child wants to be themselves and be filial to their parents. Every depressed child is a kind child. It is too difficult for them to constantly attack themselves and adjust family relationships.

My sister talks about death a lot and has somatization. She's in a lot of pain. What needs aren't being met? Who is she trying to save? I hope she's trying to adjust family relationships, but she's hurting herself. She's made many attempts, and only your family can feel it.

Your sister has taken on a lot. She needs your support, not pity. She is worried and scared.

Your parents' generation lacked material goods and a sense of need, so they didn't know what their children needed. In your family, you and your sister fought over love. Parents should show more love and support their children.

You have a sense of responsibility, but your parents are absent, so you act like a child. Your sister is also adjusting the family order, making her parents take responsibility.

You're not easy, so be yourself and be happy. Family members should find happiness again. Your sister will improve as she's influenced by the environment.

I hope you do well.

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Ivy Ivy A total of 6679 people have been helped

Hello, dear author! It's like seeing you in person!

After reading your description, I can tell you really care about your younger sister. You've also mentioned some things your sister has said or done that make me think you're a really thoughtful and loving partner to your family.

Let's chat about your little sister, shall we?

You said that your sweet sister, who is in junior high school, was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety, but it seems like your parents are having a hard time accepting it. Don't worry, though! You've already tried to persuade them, and they're planning to go to another hospital for a more comprehensive examination.

1. I'm so proud of you for taking the initiative to approach your parents! What specific angles did you use to approach them?

2. I'm sure you've already thought about this, but how much do you think your parents really understand about your sister's current situation?

3. How much do you understand your sweet sister's current state?

I just wanted to let you know that I admire you for working so hard on this. I know it can be tough when there's a big age gap between you and your parents, especially when it comes to things like this. It's so great that you've already started this task, but I just wanted to remind you that you might need to consider a few more things.

(Okay, let's continue, dear.)

You said that your sister is still going through a lot. She gets stomach aches when she's anxious and talks about "dying." It's so sad to see her like this. I'm really worried about her. What can we do to help her?

1. How long has my sweet sister been struggling with body image issues?

2. Before your sister's "body image" problems started, what were some of the things that made a lasting impression on you? I'd love to hear about a particular event or experience if you feel comfortable sharing.

3. I'm so sorry to hear what happened. How did you feel when those things happened?

4. When you heard your sweet sister express herself in this way, how did you feel?

5. When your sister talks a lot about school, how do you and dad respond to her?

I hope these five points help you understand my sister's feelings a bit better. It seems like she's looking for someone to understand her situation and give her a little support. You also mentioned that she's trying to please you and dad. It's like she's saying, "Hey, I'm really understanding, so please don't leave me."

Also, your family environment usually contains multiple family systems, which can make it tough to be compatible. People in each family system have different living habits, so it's hard to blend everything together. When things aren't compatible, it can feel chaotic. My younger sister was in a state of "lack of companionship and insufficient sense of security" for a long time when everyone around her who could give her support was in flux. She needed her parents' support the most, so it's understandable that she was scared.

I'm so glad you're sharing this with the help platform. It's so normal to feel tired when you're your sister's companion. I totally get the challenges you're facing in the process of "accompanying your sister." While taking care of your sister, don't forget to take care of yourself, too. In terms of "self-adjustment," you've taken a great step by recognizing your need for mental and emotional support. I hope you can continue to practice "being aware of your mental state at any time and in any place," which will help you handle whatever life throws your way with more ease and confidence.

Take good care of yourself and your sister, my dear friend. I truly hope that with your warm and attentive company, she will soon break through the clouds of depression and anxiety, return to happiness and ease, and bravely become the real self she likes.

I really hope she's doing well and that we'll meet again if it's meant to be!

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Paul Woods Paul Woods A total of 1573 people have been helped

Hello, question asker! Your words warmed my heart!

It's so understandable that your sister's illness is worrying you and leaving you feeling exhausted. You want to help her, but you're not sure how. It's great that you're taking action though!

I'd love to know how old your sister is and how old you are.

Once you know her age, you can find a way to deal with it that's even better!

First, you've got to face it and accept it correctly. Most of the time, when a child has a problem, it's got something to do with the people they spend time with.

It's so important to remember that intergenerational education and companionship can't replace parental love. My sister is already showing signs of a physical response, and she might also need some physical and mental treatment.

You're such a good person! You had the judgment to convince your parents to help your sister get a thorough check-up again.

The next thing you can do is just listen to your sister, my dear.

"When I came home from school and had dinner with her today, she was really open with me. She shared a lot about her day at school, and it was so sweet to see her trying to please me and her dad."

From this text, you can see that you have a strong sense of judgment, which is great! It's wonderful that your sister talks a lot. While she's talking, she's also hoping that someone will "see" her emotions!

It's so important to listen to her! At this point, you can respond by repeating what your sister has said, for example: "You think... You saw... You experienced..." While repeating what she has said, don't give her any direct advice or answers, but guide her to the answer she wants.

For example, you want... is that right?

? And then, embrace the influence of your living environment.

"We usually live with my grandparents, parents, and uncle (who has been bipolar for many years). At the end of the year, my grandparents and uncle will move out." This kind of extended family environment can be a bit complicated, but it's also full of love!

Does your sister usually live in a dormitory? If not, it might be a bit of a challenge for you, but I know you can do it! It'll be a great test of your adaptability to this family environment.

You can help your sister by teaching her to filter out negative energy, not to dwell on the past, focus on her own efforts, and recognize her achievements!

And the best part is, whoever is suffering will change!

You said, "My sister's situation is still very serious. She has somatization, and when she is anxious, she gets stomach pains and says the word "death" a lot. If she is alone at home, she will be very scared.

"This kind of thing can make you feel like your sister is helpless and anxious, and like you're not sure what to do. But there are lots of people she can turn to for help. She can ask for advice from the platform's psychological counselors or psychological listeners, or answer questions from the answerers, or even see a hospital psychologist. They'll all be able to help her find a solution that works for her."

It might take a little while to feel better, but as long as you can find the right doctor, you'll start to feel better very soon!

? Finally, you can also study to become a psychological counselor! It's always a great idea to help yourself first, before asking others for help.

The internet is such a great resource! It's a wonderful place to learn, help others, and help yourself. I learned to be a psychological listener from Yixin, which is perfect for folks with no prior knowledge.

The psychological counselors at the Chinese Academy of Sciences are also wonderful! The great news is that you can start at any time. As long as you are willing, it's never too late!

Come on, you can do it!

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Claire Russell Claire Russell A total of 8760 people have been helped

Dear Questioner, It's totally normal to feel stressed and exhausted in the face of these complicated family circumstances. Your sister is facing some serious emotional and physical challenges, which is a huge opportunity for the whole family to grow and learn.

Your parents are also working through this together, and they'll find the best solution in no time with a little patience!

First of all, with regard to your sister's situation, it's great that she already has a plan to be examined in the hospital! The good news is that the symptoms of somatization and anxiety can be assessed and treated by a medical professional.

It's so important to make sure she gets a full medical check-up and has access to professional medical advice and treatment. At the same time, try to have an open and honest dialogue with her, letting her know that you care about her and are willing to listen to her feelings.

It's so important to know that someone is willing to listen!

Secondly, you can work with the family to create a safer environment for your sister. You can install nightlights or make a plan to ensure she always has someone to keep in touch with when she's home alone.

There are also lots of great ways you can help her cope with her fears, such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

And finally, don't forget to treat yourself! Give yourself time and space to deal with your emotions and stress. Try some relaxing activities, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or reading.

If you can, definitely seek professional psychological counseling or support! It can help you better cope with current challenges.

The good news is that this is something the whole family can work on together! It's so important to keep the lines of communication open, to show understanding, patience, and care.

I know you'll find the perfect way to help your sister and get the whole family through this tough time!

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Comments

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Audrey Sinclair A person of wide learning is a gem that shines with the light of multiple intelligences.

I can sense how much you're going through right now. It sounds like a lot is happening with your family, especially with your sister's health and the upcoming changes at home. I admire your efforts to support your sister and convince your parents about the seriousness of the situation. Hoping that the visit to another hospital brings clarity and better treatment options for her.

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Tobias Thomas To grow, you must be willing to make mistakes and learn from them.

It's heartbreaking to hear about your sister's struggles and the heavy atmosphere at home. It seems like everyone in the family is under a lot of stress, including yourself. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is important too. Maybe reaching out to a counselor or a support group could provide some relief and guidance for you and your family.

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Mae Sinclair Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again.

Your description paints a picture of a family facing multiple challenges. It's clear you're deeply concerned about your sister's wellbeing and the dynamics at home. With the move and changes coming up, it might be helpful to establish new routines that can bring some stability. Also, consider sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or professional; sometimes talking things through can make all the difference.

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