“AITAH For Refusing To Spend Christmas At Home If My Sister Is Released From Her Eating Disorder Clinic?”

It’s never easy to watch a loved one struggle with mental health issues. Whether they’re battling postpartum depression or crippling anxiety, it’s heartbreaking to feel like there’s nothing you can do to help. But at the same time, these mental health problems might start to take a toll on the entire family.

One teen recently reached out to Reddit for advice after finding out that her sister, who’s currently battling a severe eating disorder, might be coming home for Christmas. Instead of being excited, however, the girl immediately became terrified. And now, she’s decided that her parents will have to choose which daughter they’d rather celebrate the holidays with. Below, you’ll find the full story, as well as some of the replies invested readers shared. 

This teen has watched her sister’s eating disorder turn her into a monster

Young woman looking distressed and upset, reflecting a tense family situation involving sister and parents at Christmas.

Image credits: ShintarTatsiana / envatoelements (not the actual photo)

So she’s decided that there’s no way she’ll spend Christmas at home if her sister will be released from treatment

Woman threatens sister’s life before being taken away, as parents hope for a family reunion this Christmas.

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Text excerpt discussing body image differences between two sisters amid family conflict before a holiday reunion.

Woman measuring her waist with tape measure, reflecting in mirror, relating to sister threat and family reunion for Xmas.

Image credits: NomadSoul1 / envatoelements (not the actual photo)

Text expressing intense anger and threats from a woman towards her sister before being taken away by parents.

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Text excerpt describing a woman threatening her sister’s life and the parents wanting them to reunite for Christmas.

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Text discussing parents wanting sisters to reunite despite one threatening the other's life due to an eating disorder condition.

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Text discussing family conflict and reasons why a woman wouldn’t want to be around her sister before Christmas reunion.

Text discussing a woman threatening her sister’s life and parents wanting to reunite them for Christmas.

Text of a letter reveals sister’s apology failed, parents want them to reunite for Christmas after serious family conflict.

Hands pulling out a handwritten letter from an envelope, symbolizing family conflict and parents wanting sisters to reunite for Xmas.

Image credits: Ron Lach / pexels (not the actual photo)

Text on a plain background stating parents fought for sister to spend Christmas Day with family amid tensions.

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Text discussing family conflict and Christmas plans amid tense sister relationship before being taken away by parents.

Text expressing conflict between a woman and her parents about plans despite being a minor, with mention of grandparents and control.

Image credits: Zoleeeyh

Later, the author responded to several readers and revealed more details about the situation

Reddit conversation about a woman threatening her sister’s life and parents wanting them to reunite for Christmas.

Discussion about a woman threatening her sister's life and parents wanting them to reunite for Christmas.

Online discussion about woman threatening sister’s life before being taken away, parents hoping they reunite for Christmas.

Screenshot of online discussion where users debate a woman threatening sister’s life before parents seek Christmas reunion.

Online conversation about woman threatening sister’s life, ongoing inpatient therapy, and family wanting them to reunite for Christmas.

Eating disorders are commonly diagnosed alongside other mental health conditions

Young woman with blonde hair sitting at a kitchen table, looking contemplative amid family conflict before a holiday reunion.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

Just like any other mental health issue, an eating disorder can take a significant toll on a person’s mental and physical health. According to the National Eating Disorders Association in the US, 9% of Americans will have an eating disorder at least once in their lifetime. These can be absolutely devastating, as one person loses their life every single hour as a direct consequence of their ED.

Apparently, 22% of children and teens around the globe exhibit signs of disordered eating. But it’s not always easy to spot these disorders, as only 6% of people with an eating disorder are actually classified as medically underweight. 

Unfortunately, eating disorders also often show up alongside other mental health issues and personality disorders. In fact, Acute reports that 95% of people diagnosed with an eating disorder also receive a diagnosis for at least one other psychiatric disorder. 

The most common disorders diagnosed alongside eating disorders include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma-related and stress-related disorders, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Acute also notes that it’s important to treat both diagnoses simultaneously, as ignoring one can cause the patient’s mental health to continue to decline. 

In this particular story that was shared on Reddit, we have no way of knowing if the sister is struggling with more than just an eating disorder. But many commenters speculated that she might be, considering how she’s been treating her sister.

It’s possible for an eating disorder to significantly impact a person’s mood and behavior

Young woman threatening sister's life, holding plate and fork in kitchen, parents hope for Christmas family reunion.

Image credits: EyeEm / freepik (not the actual photo)

The Bulimia Project explains that Anorexia nervosa can have a physical impact on the brain by causing a loss of grey matter, which can often lead to changes in mood and behavior. Being malnourished can shorten a person’s attention span, cause trouble learning, harm their working memory, and even impact their visual perception. 

Meanwhile, losing grey matter can impact the parts of the brain that are tied to emotional regulation, impulse control, attention, self-regulation, and social interactions. So it’s no wonder that the effects of one person’s eating disorder can cause a ripple that impacts the entire family.    

Acute reports that eating disorders can damage relationships because they often lead to self-isolation, along with an unwillingness to share feelings and struggles. When a person starts pulling away from their friends and family members, they’ll start to lose social support and may even harm their ability to form relationships. 

This can cause their disordered eating behaviors to worsen, while simultaneously delaying their treatment. If nobody is close enough to realize how dangerous their behaviors have become, it’s possible that no one will intervene.

But when it comes to supporting a loved one who has an eating disorder, Beat notes that it’s important to take care of yourself as well. Trying to care for someone who’s struggling with serious mental health issues can be incredibly draining. Remember that your health matters too.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, pandas. Do you think this teen made the right choice by deciding not to spend Christmas at her parents’ house? Feel free to weigh in. Then, you can find another Bored Panda article discussing similar drama right here.   

Many readers sided with the teen, warning her that her sister may have more serious mental health issues than they know about

Comment on a black text post saying NTA and wishing a good stay with grandparents in a Reddit thread about family conflict involving woman threatening sister’s life.

Screenshot of a social media comment reading "Move in with the grandparents" related to woman threatening sister’s life case.

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Alt text: Text message about sister being very sick and advice to call police if in imminent danger during family conflict.

Commenter criticizing parents for favoring one child and ignoring sister’s threatening behavior, urging protection for both kids.

Woman threatens sister’s life before being taken away, parents hoping for family reunion at Christmas holiday.

Text comment on a screen discussing filing a restraining order with documented evidence for protection between sisters.

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Screenshot of a comment discussing a possible personality disorder related to a woman threatening her sister’s life.

Comment discussing a woman threatening her sister’s life and the parents wanting them to reunite for Christmas.

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Screenshot of a Reddit comment advising not to tolerate threats and prioritizing mental health in family conflicts.

Reddit user discussing woman threatening sister’s life and parents wanting them to reunite for Christmas amid family struggles.

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Comment discussing mental health challenges and family trauma amid woman threatening sister’s life before parents seek reunion.

Comment discussing antisocial personality disorder and eating disorders, emphasizing selflessness and kindness.

Comment advising to document sister’s threats and seek legal help to protect family before reuniting for Christmas.

Comment advising to spend Christmas with loved ones and seek help due to sister's threats before being taken away.

Text post with advice on handling family conflict by photocopying a letter, adding it to a Christmas card, and sharing it with parents.

Comment discussing a woman threatening her sister’s life and parents wanting a reunion for Christmas.

Comment discussing legal holds for threats and advice on safety after a woman threatens her sister’s life before being taken away.

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Alt text: Therapist warns about sister’s threats and urges parents to push for treatment and a safe family Christmas reunion

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Woman threatens sister’s life, causing family conflict as parents want them to reunite for Christmas.

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Alt text: Woman threatens sister’s life before being taken away, family seeks reunion and healing for Christmas.

Comment text warning about feeling threatened at home and parents risking safety before woman is taken away in family dispute.

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