OP here and thank you all for the input. My sister and her husband do have insurance but the deductible is too high to be of use.
My sister has struggled with depression since she was a young teenager. My niece may also be stuggling, Sister is hyper aware of the signs and has been watching out for it. Not sure she would tell me if niece has been diagnosed.
@twoinanddone I asked if we could come over this weekend to celebrate nieces upcoming birthday. I was told since she would’t be around that it would’t work. We settled on a different date and location entirely.
@stardustmom my sister wanted counseling with her husband to salvage the marriage - he flat out refused. I agree that she could go on her own or maybe a divorce support group is an option… I found one locally that works into her work schedule. If the opportunity arises I will mention it.
I may invite just the kids over to my house this weekend. If Sister won’t be at their home and dad is sleeping they may be looking for something to do.
@threebeans So glad to hear that you are doing your best to support your sister and her family. I’m sure she appreciates your efforts, and her kids will be happy to know that their aunt is looking out for them. It sounds like you found a good low-cost support option. I would try mentioning it during a long conversation, if she is willing to talk about how things are going.
@threebeans – I’m so sorry for everything your sister and niece are going through. As a divorced mom with a little first hand experience with an eating disorder, I understand how important it is to tread lightly.
I would reinforce those who said here to just listen. To paraphrase Dr. Seuss, your feelings are your feelings and they need to be felt. Without judgment or criticism or the need to “fix” things. They may each be feeling: angry, upset, confused, teary, disappointed, melancholy, elated, subdued, depressed, and more.
The only thing that got me back into a normal relationship with food was realizing there were so many activities I had curtailed because they didn’t work with the anorexic lifestyle, as it were. Going out with friends. Baking at the holidays. Anything where alcohol (all those calories!!!) might be served.
Is there anything your niece used to enjoy doing that she now doesn’t do? Perhaps that’s a neutral topic to bring up that might turn on a light for her. Hugs.