Should I keep my sister's secret that she is anorexic?

Question

I just found out that my 16-year-old sister has not eaten in five days and is anorexic. She told me I couldn't tell anyone when she told me, and obviously doesn't want me to tell my mother. What should I do? If I don't tell my mom, she won't get help. If I do tell her, she probably will never trust me again with something like this. What should I do?

Answer 1

never keep something like that a secret. being anorexic is deadly. you could die from it. if she doesnt get help, she could die and do you want that to happen?

Answer 2

I've been anorexic, and I also asked my sister (when she found out) to keep the secret. Anorexic people are like anyone with an addiction--they want it kept a secret so they can go on doing it. Anorexia can kill people, but more often, it can cause fertility problems. I know you wouldn't want that or any other health problems for your sister. I can tell you, for sure, that deep down, your sister *wants* you to tell someone who can help. Otherwise, she wouldn't have told you. I knew tons of other anorexic girls when I was anorexic (through chat rooms, Web sites, school friends, etc.) and there was not a one of us who did not need help, and did not, on some level, yearn for a saviour. TELL your mom. I understand that you don't want to lose your sister's trust, and that's why this answer is so easy to give you. TRUST ME, she WANTS you to tell. Deep down, even as I write this, she wants you to tell. No matter what she says, she wants you to tell. She's anorexic because she's suffering, and she needs your help. Tell. She might be upset at first, but eventually, probably sooner rather than later, she will be GLAD, and she'll relish that support she's going to get. Be brave. For your sister. Do it.

Answer 3

Even if you do tell your mom, your sister can refuse help.

Why did your sister tell you she's anorexic? Why did she dump a big burden on you and then tell you not to tell anybody? Why does your sister get to control you? Perhaps she's really crying for help and shifting the responsibility onto you?

Anorexics, like drug addicts are brilliant manipulators. Yes, they are precious people, often bright and intelligent. The whole family gets codependent around them and tries to save them. The more the family tries to help or control the anorexic, the more resistance will be encoutered.

I am not telling you what to do. I will offer you a website that has some hints on dealing with a person that has an eating disorder http://eatingdisordersonline.com/familyfriends.php

I have lost a loved one to anorexia related illness. My heart goes out to you.

Answer 4

well you either tell your mom and risk your sister being mad at you, or you look the other way but when the day comes you will have no choice to look at her, and it won't be pretty and there will be no turning back. you must take care of your blood, your sister. deal with her attitude later. at least you will know in your heart you did the right thing. and your conscience will be clear. good luck. and tell her how much you love her. she needs help. there is something out of control in her life and this is something only she can control. maybe there is something really bothering her. i am not a professional, but maybe there is something going on that needs to be addressed. and she should seek help. do not let her feel ashamed about her problem. and there will be a long and hard road ahead of not just her but your whole family. good luck. prayers with you and your family.

Answer 5

anorexia is a devastating disorder. You must not waste another second and tell your mom right away!! You will be saving your
sister's life. Being anorexic is a strain on the heart as well as the body as a whole. Bodies need vitamins. Tell your mom, who cares if your sister will never trust you again at least she'll be
alive and well if she receives immediate treatment. My niece was anorexic and hid it from her mom for only a little while. Her mom
is a nurse, my niece was hospitalized and made a terrific comeback to health.......Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Sometimes you have to breach someone's trust if it means their physical and emotional well-being. Chances are she told you because in all reality she wants help for her eating disorder. People usually tell these things when they are looking for another way out.

Anorexic can cause serious health problems and even death. It can cause permanent hair loss, tooth problems, skin problems as well as a number of other complications.

You need to make sure that whomever you tell will take the problem seriously and make sure she gets the help she needs.

Answer 7

You need to tell someone, it doesn't have to be your mom but maybe an older adult at your school that can help her. If you do tell she may not trust you now but eventually she will see how much you helped her.

I was anorexic for about two months when I was 15(a little over a year ago), my brother noticed how I hadn't been eating and confronted me about. I asked him not to tell our parents but he got worried and told anyways, at first I was furious at him, but eventually I saw that he must have cared a whole lot about me to go against my wishes and tell our parents.

Answer 8

Nice dilemma do what you think is right for you but just take a look at Mary Kate Olsen if you want to see the outcome of someone that did not get help early.

Answer 9

Maybe your sister is telling you this because she is wanting help.
If your sister is under weight and looking very ill, you have to tell, but i am sure your mother would notice.
its kinda an obsession, and as long as it hasnt gone on too long, she may be able to snap out of it.
talk about alternaives to weight loss, and maybe go out and make her see that she is beautiful and does not need to lose weight.

Answer 10

Surely you wouldn't have to do much to call attention to the fact that she hasn't eaten in 5 days to her own mother??? It should be an easy thing to point out, without having to name names or break your confidence to your sister.

Answer 11

Not eating in 5 days does NOT make her anorexic. It does, however, mean there is some kind of a problem. I would talk to mom. m