Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below
napsgear
genezapharmateuticals
domestic-supply
puritysourcelabs
UGL OZ
UGFREAK
napsgeargenezapharmateuticals domestic-supplypuritysourcelabsUGL OZUGFREAK

I'm kind of worried about my sister. Has anyone here ever done an intervention?

Smurfy

Smurfy

Banned
Platinum
Just curious if you or anyone you know has done an intervention for someone in need. Does this sort of thing typically work? It seems futile IMO, as there is so much resistance built up and also loads of denial.

Any thoughts on this?
 
I've never been part of one. I'd think that with your professional background you'd know a lot more about it than me.

Sometimes people need a wake up call, and an intervention is a way of providing that, as well as a ton of support and love at the same time in a non threatening environment. The idea is that the collective thoughts from all of the person's loved ones will be so strong it will break down all of the resistance that has been built up.

What kinds of issues is she having? drug related?
 
Only thought about doing one with my ex, but his family was in more denial than him. I think if you have enough support, the person (your sister) may come around and accept.
You will never know unless you try. It's never futile. There is always hope.
Good luck
 
Nope..

Sure would have been something if my wifes family would have stood up and did SOMETHING though... rather than sit there like a bunch of fucking doormats...
 
I thought about doing one with my little sister once. However, being that I was the only one in the family who felt it should be done, I didn't do it.

I don't know how effective they are, but what can it hurt really? At least maybe it will make her recognize that she has a problem.
 
I had a niece with anorexia. An intervention saved her, barely. After her mother got her on the path, the girl's shrinks tried to blame the whole thing on the Mom. She's a beautiful, healthy girl, smart & newly married.
 
HiDnGoD said:
I had a niece with anorexia. An intervention saved her, barely. After her mother got her on the path, the girl's shrinks tried to blame the whole thing on the Mom. She's a beautiful, healthy girl, smart & newly married.
Click to expand...
While I am concerned about her mental health, I must admit that my primary concern is her medical health. Her internal health is not good. Certain functions like her digestive system dont work on their own anymore, she's got the beginnings of menopause and osteoporosis at age 27.
 
I grew up with a girl who died of a heart attack at 25 because of anorexia. It is a killer. Get that gal help.

I'm sorry for your sister. =-(
 
Smurfy said:
While I am concerned about her mental health, I must admit that my primary concern is her medical health. Her internal health is not good. Certain functions like her digestive system dont work on their own anymore, she's got the beginnings of menopause and osteoporosis at age 27.
Click to expand...
My niece was 17 when hers started. She got down to 85 lbs. Not quite as advanced health wise as your sis, but she saw a whole bevy of shrinks after the intervention.
 
Smurfy said:
It's not drugs. She's got an eating disorder.
Click to expand...
I've done it before....initially you'll get the "get out of my life you nosey beech ass beech i hate you and never want to talk to you again".....


until either A. she realizes SHE WANTS help and you'll be the first she reaches out to or B. as her disorder worsens (<~~that's a word right?) and she feels she has no control...you'll be the one person she'll know loved her enough to help, the one person she's too full of pride to approach, and the last person she'll face.

It's sad. I hope either way you go...it works out for you and her. It's so tough being in your position.
 
I've been part of several. Intervention isn't only about them, it's also about you. Continuing to be an accepting part of her life if she is sick and refuses to help herself even if it is offered is not good for you. What you do during an intervention is not only offer help but give them consequences if they choose not to take it in the hopes that it will spur them to get help.

I had several with a close family member that I had to cut out of my life with the knowledge that they might die. It was hard, but mentally it was much better. And they have recovered so everything is fine now.

Hope you can get her some help but also remember you have to take care of yourself.
 
Smurfy said:
Just curious if you or anyone you know has done an intervention for someone in need. Does this sort of thing typically work? It seems futile IMO, as there is so much resistance built up and also loads of denial.

Any thoughts on this?
Click to expand...

I sort of did something like that with my dad awhile back. He was way overweight, and his blood pressure was dangerously high. He went in randomly one day for a checkup and found out he needed to start taking meds. When he was telling us this later that evening, I told him that he needed to lose weight and that meds wasnt going to cure the problem alone.

He did not like that, and actually got pretty pissed off and stormed out of the room. But after a little bit more working on him, 3 months later he began exercising and eating better. and almost a year later he was about 50 lbs lighter. So yeah, I think interventions can work, but dont expect results right away, and dont be sad if you get a negative reaction, I think thats just a typical kneejerk reaction. But like seeds, these intervention events can become planted in the brain and blossom at a later time into something good.
 
healother said:
I sort of did something like that with my dad awhile back. He was way overweight, and his blood pressure was dangerously high. He went in randomly one day for a checkup and found out he needed to start taking meds. When he was telling us this later that evening, I told him that he needed to lose weight and that meds wasnt going to cure the problem alone.

He did not like that, and actually got pretty pissed off and stormed out of the room. But after a little bit more working on him, 3 months later he began exercising and eating better. and almost a year later he was about 50 lbs lighter. So yeah, I think interventions can work, but dont expect results right away, and dont be sad if you get a negative reaction, I think thats just a typical kneejerk reaction. But like seeds, these intervention events can become planted in the brain and blossom at a later time into something good.
Click to expand...
very good point. thanks.
 
It's not drugs. She's got an eating disorder.
Click to expand...

Boy that’s a tough one, I thought you were going to say it was drugs or booze.

Friends and relatives had an intervention for me, about 20 years ago, but that was for drugs and booze.
 
eating disorders are a toughone,

i sort of had one but the opposite, i was getting "too much" protein and my piss started to smell really bad and my kidneys started to get fucked up....i refused to listen and kept eating fuckloads of chicken then the nutritionist told me i was gunna die so i stopped
 
SublimeZM said:
eating disorders are a toughone,

i sort of had one but the opposite, i was getting "too much" protein and my piss started to smell really bad and my kidneys started to get fucked up....i refused to listen and kept eating fuckloads of chicken then the nutritionist told me i was gunna die so i stopped
Click to expand...

dang, yeah that is the opposite, lol.

ive had the traditional eating disorder, where i would constantly try to keep my weight down, both during wrestling and even in the offseason. i was binging a lot and purging sometimes too. Eventually when i realized it was completely bs and consuming all my focus and energy, i became more laid back. That didnt happen after about a couple years though.

my parents were pretty concerned, and i actually started meds and counselling pretty quickly. but my thinking was just completely screwed up, and it wasnt until I realized what was going on until I was able to eventually put an end to it, which took about a couple years.
one of my psychiatrists kinda tried an intervention thing early on, may have had somewhat of an effect, but its too hard for me to tell. im just glad im basically over the whole thing.
 
Smurfy said:
While I am concerned about her mental health, I must admit that my primary concern is her medical health. Her internal health is not good. Certain functions like her digestive system dont work on their own anymore, she's got the beginnings of menopause and osteoporosis at age 27.
Click to expand...
you waited too long
 
i worked with a girl in the navy that had an eating disorder. i had to pick her up a few times because she would take her meds and then go out drinking and then end up on the bathroom floor (not drunk) but throwing up all over the place and im the only one she would call to come get her. her digestive system was screwed and she had to take these meds to help but when she drank on top of that she would throwup violently. then i would get the phone calls at night to go over her house because she felt so bad. i tried to help her but i wasnt helping i was her crutch. it got to the point that i had to walk away and refer her to her shrink. you cant help someone who wont help themselves.
 
4everhung said:
you waited too long
Click to expand...
youre probably right. but do you know how well these people hide the true extent of their disorder? very well. she's not even that skinny, where you can just look at her and say, "wow, she's way too thin and sickly looking". but I was indeed aware that she lost too much weight and was way too OCD about her food and also restricting calories and working out way too much. Ive talked to her about it, made comments - she gets very angry when anyone says anything to her. one time i made a light hearted joke about her eating a tablespoon of egg beaters everyday for dinner, and she flipped out, and ran upstairs crying. that's kind of when I stopped talking to her about it at all. this was a few yrs ago.

my brother and his wife are planning on talking to her sometime about her health and how they are concerned. not a true "intervention" but more like a grapevine to let her know that she has support and people to lean on if she is ready to get help.
 
also I should say that she has gone up and down as far as the disorder goes. she was real bad a few yrs back, then got better for a while and had actually gotten to a much more healthy, solid weight when I got married. but i saw her at the holidays and she was again way too thin. she is getting treated for the medical conditions, but honestly, until she faces the disorder on a behavioral/mental/emotional level, the cycle will continue and she will continue to do damage to herself
 
I sort of done did it for my cousin. Called up his brother and told him he was doing almost an ounce of coke a day, or so it appeared. His bro flew in from BC and threw his ass into a rehab center for a couple months, got his health all checked out and then moved him out to BC with him.
 
Smurfy said:
youre probably right. but do you know how well these people hide the true extent of their disorder? very well. she's not even that skinny, where you can just look at her and say, "wow, she's way too thin and sickly looking". but I was indeed aware that she lost too much weight and was way too OCD about her food and also restricting calories and working out way too much. Ive talked to her about it, made comments - she gets very angry when anyone says anything to her. one time i made a light hearted joke about her eating a tablespoon of egg beaters everyday for dinner, and she flipped out, and ran upstairs crying. that's kind of when I stopped talking to her about it at all. this was a few yrs ago.

my brother and his wife are planning on talking to her sometime about her health and how they are concerned. not a true "intervention" but more like a grapevine to let her know that she has support and people to lean on if she is ready to get help.
Click to expand...
I'm 44
I have a sister 43 and a sister 42
we three grew up together
they both went through their phases
I always knew what was going on with my sisters
 
The show "Intervention" is a bit misleading since the places they send them are places that can cost $100,000 and more for a few months - cost is quite high but it might be worth it in order to save a life. it is worth a shot in my book
 
Smurfy said:
youre probably right. but do you know how well these people hide the true extent of their disorder? very well. she's not even that skinny, where you can just look at her and say, "wow, she's way too thin and sickly looking". but I was indeed aware that she lost too much weight and was way too OCD about her food and also restricting calories and working out way too much. Ive talked to her about it, made comments - she gets very angry when anyone says anything to her. one time i made a light hearted joke about her eating a tablespoon of egg beaters everyday for dinner, and she flipped out, and ran upstairs crying. that's kind of when I stopped talking to her about it at all. this was a few yrs ago.
Click to expand...
and I have been out on dates with woman like this
no second date
 
there's a whole array of anit-depressants and "off label" meds available now
and the shrinks don't have a handle on it all
I tell my docs what I'm thinking about and order up the next "cycle"
I finally cured myself
abandoned the anti-depressants that were feeding me false good feeling
and settled on 5 mg deprenyl/selegiline EOD
matched with 15mg meridia on opposite days
 
once I got it working I went and saw a new doc and got it scripted
so I could blue cross it
I don't think you can be a good shrink unless you've been sick yourself
 
have you just talked to her instead of joking about it?

i mean, just say, "i'm worried about you- i think you have an eating disorder."
one of my friends said that to me once because she thought i had anorexia too. i was a normal weight, and fairly obsessed with staying fit and thin, but it was in no way anorexia. i got annoyed and defensive too, but flattered that she was concerned.
 
in her case i think it may help,i mean you got nothing to lose,so do it,she may hate you for a while but thats a choice you will have to make,and hopefully she will one day realize it was because you care
 
stilleto said:
have you just talked to her instead of joking about it?

i mean, just say, "i'm worried about you- i think you have an eating disorder."
one of my friends said that to me once because she thought i had anorexia too. i was a normal weight, and fairly obsessed with staying fit and thin, but it was in no way anorexia. i got annoyed and defensive too, but flattered that she was concerned.
Click to expand...
her digestive system is shutting down
her body is rebelling
her sister is dying
hospitalize her
wtf
 
theres all kinds of electrolyte distrubances and other crap that can kill long before you actually manage to starve yourself to death
you,your family need to subdue her and force her to be hospitalized
 
Unfortunately initial interventions have a success ratio of approx. 10-11%...That being said, the wall will start to come down and her eyes will open to the "actual" severity of her condition, when she realizes that everyone she knows and loves is aware of what she is and has been hiding so well.

There are people that specialize in "eating disorder" interventions, you can find these people through any local hospital or "addiction" network. Just call one and ask to speak to the hospitals primary psychologist and/or social worker. They will point you in the right direction.

Maybe you've stated it already, but has her personal physician said anything to her about this? Either way, her doctor can be a place to start as well. Although, her doctor cannot devulge her personal info. to you, he or she will understand her over-all health condition and be able to refer you to someone that may be able to help your sis more specifically.

The saying is that people need to find their own "rock bottom" and hit it hard before they take action. IMHO, major organ and/or bodily function failure is a bottom she may not be able to bounce 100% back from.

She is very lucky to have you as a sis....so many would turn a blind eye and take the attitude of "Let her work it out on her own."......You really should do something. Good, bad or indifferent as the results may be, you will at least know that you've tried, and even if she hates you now.....She'll thank you later.
 
thanks gotmojo and everyone else. she is aware that she has a problem. she knew it two years ago and has been seeing a nutritionist since that time, to develop healthy eating habits. she eats very healthy and she eats about every few hours or so, which is good. however, she is compulsive about her food, does not eat enough Essential Fats, and we believe her nutritionist is actually encouraging her behavior. She also has quit drinking over the last few months and has seen a psychiatrist for an anti-depressant as well. her drinking was a problem and at least she has gotten that under control. she has been seeing a gastroenterologist (sp?) because she has IBS and had taken so much in the way of laxatives and fiber for such a long time, that she cant have a BM without it. he bowels just dont know how to do their job anymore without the stimulant of a laxative or overdose of fiber. this is the cause of the majority of her discomfort and health problems. my dad is flying her out to NY this month to see his doctor and to see about getting her a decent plan for treatment for her medical problems. I will also talk to my brother about a plan for trying to borach the topic of therapy or a ED program with her in the near future. The problem is, I live in DC and the rest of my family is in Chicago, so I cant have a face-to-face with her. The best I can do right now is reinforce that I am supportive of her in every which way and she can trust me and lean on me when necessary.
 
It definately looks like all bases are covered for the most part....The medical issues are the primary at this point. It is great that she knows the severity of her issues (most do not) and is willing to take steps to help correct them as much as she can. Once the physicians are able to get things "controlled" to a certain degree, it will put her in a much better frame of mind to begin learning how to personally deal with her disorder and the internal issues that may be causing it.

IMHO, nothing more can be done at this point, as she is doing all that is medically possible to benefit herself. Just keep being there for her like the great sis you are!

You may even want to find a local support group for individuals that have loved ones with eating disorders (kind of like "alanon" or "narcanon", but for food).....This will help you and her in many ways believ it or not. It will help you deal with the stress and anxiety of the situation (especially being so far away.) and it will also help you to understand what's going on with her to great extent, which can and will make it easier to reach her and help her if and when the time comes.

All the luck in the world to you and your family.....I wish your sis a fast recovery!
 
My sisters did it to my sister. Be prepared.. .regardless of how much it helps her, she will resent you doing it for the rest of her life. You may save her but will probably loose her as a sister in the process.
 
I wanted to do an intervention but i thought that the other party would not participate fully.
Sorry to hear about this smurf. Eating disorders are so rough to get past and they also cause health problems long after the eating disorder is gone.
If you think that she can not do it or will not do it on her own without a little nudge than def look into it. It could be some thing positive for her, and just what she needs.
Also check into the local hospital I believe that they may also have a program, outpatient. I know that the hospital here does. All the "patients" do is go to these groups and they talk with therapists and other people who are struggeling with eating disorders. I know that up here they are in the evenings and they do dinner together in the groups.
What exactly does she have? i.e Bulumia, anorexia, anorexia nervrosis(sp)....
 
Tell her Nate says hi. I hope she's okay. I now realize I mentioned the wrong kind of intervention. This is nutritional?

I had an intervention once when I was 18. My OCD got real bad with moving away from home and debt and all that shit coming up and I stopped eating to try to control something. Weirdest thing ever feeling totally in control like that but also being way out of control in reality at the same time. My doctor at the time threatened to admit me to a hospital cause I was anemic and was way too thin. Yay. She went about it wrong I think but did her best I guess. My parents still see her but I just can't. It was something I had to do for myself. But it did help me to realize this:

I was so far gone that all the stuff that was making me stressed out had completely gotten control of me, to the point I would never even be able to do those things. I wanted to move away and go into debt even though they stressed me the fuck out and it had gotten to the point I would miss out if I didn't get control of myself. That was when I slapped myself in the face and decided to try to obsessively try to control soemthing a little more beneficial to me.
 
Good news (sort of?):

She called my parents on Monday and broke down. She is quitting her job (last day is tomorrow), my parents have flown out to their house in Chicago where she lives to stay with her till this weekend and next week she is starting an outpatient Eating Disorder program at either Northwestern or U of C. So that's a good thing. My mom is actually going to stay at the house with her indefinitely since my mom doesnt work and my sister obviously needs to live-in support during this time. Im so relieved she's finally going to get proper treatment. And this wasnt the result of an intervention - she apparently hot rock bottom, but things are definitely looking up.
 
Smurfy said:
Good news (sort of?):

She called my parents on Monday and broke down. She is quitting her job (last day is tomorrow), my parents have flown out to their house in Chicago where she lives to stay with her till this weekend and next week she is starting an outpatient Eating Disorder program at either Northwestern or U of C. So that's a good thing. My mom is actually going to stay at the house with her indefinitely since my mom doesnt work and my sister obviously needs to live-in support during this time. Im so relieved she's finally going to get proper treatment. And this wasnt the result of an intervention - she apparently hot rock bottom, but things are definitely looking up.
Click to expand...


That's def good news.

:)

And when she gets this all under control and if she turns out to be really hawt and stuff... have her call me...
 
Sorry Smurf. I wish you/her the best.

All great replies.

She's not being "stubborn" about it. She needs help mentally. A therapist specialized in eating disorders is the way to go. This isn't something the family can talk her out of, or convince her to "eat more" or "better" foods. But you CAN convince her to go to this therapist as a start, and the recovery process can start from there.

Good luck
 
Glad to hear Smurfy -- me & the cat are sending all the good karma we can muster to send her way for a strong & productive journey back to health & happiness for her & your family.
 
Smurfy said:
Good news (sort of?):

She called my parents on Monday and broke down. She is quitting her job (last day is tomorrow), my parents have flown out to their house in Chicago where she lives to stay with her till this weekend and next week she is starting an outpatient Eating Disorder program at either Northwestern or U of C. So that's a good thing. My mom is actually going to stay at the house with her indefinitely since my mom doesnt work and my sister obviously needs to live-in support during this time. Im so relieved she's finally going to get proper treatment. And this wasnt the result of an intervention - she apparently hot rock bottom, but things are definitely looking up.
Click to expand...


That's great! I'm sure she's in good hands now.

Apparently my advise helped. You're welcome. You're very welcome.
 
Smurfy said:
Good news (sort of?):

She called my parents on Monday and broke down. She is quitting her job (last day is tomorrow), my parents have flown out to their house in Chicago where she lives to stay with her till this weekend and next week she is starting an outpatient Eating Disorder program at either Northwestern or U of C. So that's a good thing. My mom is actually going to stay at the house with her indefinitely since my mom doesnt work and my sister obviously needs to live-in support during this time. Im so relieved she's finally going to get proper treatment. And this wasnt the result of an intervention - she apparently hot rock bottom, but things are definitely looking up.
Click to expand...

I was actually having a very, VERY crappy morning until I saw this.

This news has truly made my outlook on today do a 180 degree turn for the better, such great news!
Although she will have some major hills, and obstacles to negotiate in the near and far future, with a supportive and caring family like yours, she already has a solid foundation for success!
 
Eating disorders are stubborn and speaking from personal experience (suffered for 20+ years) can not be gotten over unless the person suffering with the disorder WANTS help. The problem is (again speaking from personal experience) that fear sometimes is essentially the monkey on that persons back so much so that even when they are armed with information (proper nutrition and proper execise advise) they wont listen because they are afraid.

It is about self-loathing and the fear of losing control of the only thing that person feels they could control in their life. I mean, "How pathetic can one be if they cant even control their own body?" <---- I was there. Scary, scary place.

Ironically enough bodybuilding sort of save my life in one way. But that was just a tiny factor in comparison to finding self-love and a sense of importance.

Your sister is very lucky to have a family as loving as yours as am I to have my husband and sister's family and my girls.
 
Smurfy said:
Good news (sort of?):

She called my parents on Monday and broke down. She is quitting her job (last day is tomorrow), my parents have flown out to their house in Chicago where she lives to stay with her till this weekend and next week she is starting an outpatient Eating Disorder program at either Northwestern or U of C. So that's a good thing. My mom is actually going to stay at the house with her indefinitely since my mom doesnt work and my sister obviously needs to live-in support during this time. Im so relieved she's finally going to get proper treatment. And this wasnt the result of an intervention - she apparently hot rock bottom, but things are definitely looking up.
Click to expand...
That is excellent news! Very glad to hear it. I wish her as well as the family the best on this one.
It is not an easy process to go through, however with loving family and support from family it will lighten her load a lot!
Best of luck
 
smurfy,
great news! im glad an intervention wasnt necessary, and that probably means that your sister is very serious about beating this. I hope things go well from here on out.
 
update, she's been in an outpatient program for a few months now and doing much better. In fact today I got an email from her saying how happy she was that for the first time in 3.5 yrs she got her period! She says she's starting to feel normal and healthy again. good stuff.
 
Wait. This can't be the sister you had a pic of up over easter or what not?

Anyway.. good for her and ur family. Crazy.. no period in 3 years.. Malnutrition I suppose... that's crazy.
 
Smurfy said:
update, she's been in an outpatient program for a few months now and doing much better. In fact today I got an email from her saying how happy she was that for the first time in 3.5 yrs she got her period! She says she's starting to feel normal and healthy again. good stuff.
Click to expand...


GOOD NEWS!
 
jh1 said:
Wait. This can't be the sister you had a pic of up over easter or what not?

Anyway.. good for her and ur family. Crazy.. no period in 3 years.. Malnutrition I suppose... that's crazy.
Click to expand...
yeah that's the only sister I have LOL
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

GMAN007
Approved Log My First Cycle Tbol Dbol Log
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Replies
943
Views
72K
MUSTANG_18
MUSTANG_18
~Vision~
Pre-loading syringes with gear - Just know you have options with pre-fillable syringe
Replies
12
Views
3K
Tiger Salman Khan
Tiger Salman Khan
Richardbrown
Napsgear: Tough Workout? Here’s How to Recover
Replies
15
Views
2K
Tazz
Tazz
Richardbrown
Napsgear : 5 Exercises That Have Stood the Test of Time
Replies
15
Views
3K
Tazz
Tazz
Richardbrown
Napsgear: 12 REASONS PEOPLE FAIL AT FITNESS
Replies
16
Views
4K
Tazz
Tazz
Top Bottom