Ask your child what is bothering him or her instead of forcing them to deal with it
Rather, express that you are concerned about her health and emotional well-being. Tell her you love her and want to help her in whatever way you are able to do so.
Ask your child what is bothering him or her, instead of forcing the child to deal with it. Let your child know you are available to talk whenever he or she is ready. Indeed, it can be frustrating to watch your child starve, but you must not try to force your child to eat. Tension during mealtimes will only make the situation worse.
It is essential you seek a therapist for your child to talk with. An eating disorders specialist will be able to get to the root of the problem. However, this process may take weeks or months, so it is important that you do not rush through the process or get anxious that your child is not beginning to eat the right way.
During your child’s recovery, you should participate in family therapy sessions. Doing so will give you insight into what your child is struggling with. It is indeed encouraging that you are seeking proactive help for your younger sibling.
Needless to say, family is the nucleus of all activities in an individual’s life. Interpersonal matters, disturbed relations and lack of harmony are the key triggering factors for self harming, besides specific family-related factors of identity, recognition and struggles. Apart from identifying those in the family with suicidal feelings or behavior, the family has to be the supporting and driving force for preventing any potential suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Family members can effectively intervene in a number of ways, first of which is identifying warning signals of stress and suicidal disposition. Since these expressions are unique to each culture, families have to know such tendencies.
Being a sibling, talking to him about his current feelings can be really helpful. Any mention of intention to harm self, wish to die, utter hopelessness towards life should be noted attentively and care should be taken not to leave him alone for long periods. Establishing close relations with the person by empathic listening, respecting feelings and understanding emotions is essential.
Spending time with him, involving him in some activities may be tried. Building on the potential strength of the person rather than weaknesses is something which should not be forgotten.
Efforts at teaching and practicing problem-solving methods to the affected member and inculcating a spirit of optimism should be done religiously. Minimizing conflicts at home and developing problem-solving exercises jointly with other family members do a lot of good to the individual.
Encouraging your brother to overcome the crisis with alternative, feasible, realistic and sustainable options by giving love lots of attention, understanding and supportive communication, is the basis which should guide the attitude and behaviors of the family members towards him. If things don’t seem to improve despite consistent efforts, seeking help in person from a psychiatrist/ psychologist is advisable.