Expert: Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D. - 8/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: i am 13 and my sister is 15. she is a serious horse rider and competes alot.
she sleeps over at her yard alot in our horse lorry. she is a good weight for
her age. this was all fine un till recently.

my mum and i noticed she had lost alot of weight and so wasn't riding her
horse aswell as before. we asked the yard owner what she thought and she
said that when my sister stayed at the yard she never ate, just sort of played
and picked with her food.

she looks grey alot now and has mood swing. shes always tired and sort of
distant. she keeps a food diary and gos running almost everyday on top of
riding two horses. im really worried about her as i hardly ever see her now
and shes sleeping at the yard more and more.

ANSWER: Hi Chloe-
It sounds like your sister is struggling.  It is a very good thing that you are alert and noticing the changes.  I think you need to talk to your mom and see if she can get your sister some help.  It is important to know that the sooner a problem involving eating disorders is addressed, the better the outcome.  In other words, it is important not to delay.  If your mom is reluctant to get help, maybe there is a counselor at school that you can talk to.

Your sister is lucky to have you and I wish you and your family the best.
Take Care,
Dr. Joanna Lhulier

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for your answer.
i asked my mum, although she is really busy and my sister wont listen to
anything she says. i can't say anything at school as it's the holidays. my sister
wont listen to me or anyone else!
help.

Answer
Hi Chloe-
I know that this is a very difficult situation and the bottom line might be that there is not much you can do at this point.  But, I suggest that you keep trying.  Please tell your mom how important it is that your sister get help sooner rather than later.  Your mom may be busy, but nothing is more important to her than her children and you may need to help her remember this.  Also, it does not matter if your sister does not listen to you, you need to keep telling her that you are concerned and that you want to help her.  Let her know that there are people out there that can help her and that she does not need to suffer alone.  I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Take Care,
Dr. Joanna Lhulier