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My sister is the youngest in our family and suffers from depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, she also suffers from agoraphobia and has been housebound for over six years. She still lives at home with our mom who seems to be enabling her condition. (My mother is separated from my dad and would otherwise be alone in the house.)

Although I live a fair distance away, I try to go over when I can and get my sister out of the house by taking her to the store. But otherwise, she doesn't bother going out. I have a couple of other siblings who are of no help.

Additionally, as my husband and I get closer to retirement age, he is starting to get concerned that once my mom passes away, that my sister will become my responsbility.

My question is how (and if) we should get her to take that first step towards recovery. I know from personal experience that one must actually WANT to get well before actually doing so. However, it's been a LONG TIME now and doesn't seem to be taking an steps toward recovery. (She's refused all offers of counseling.)

Any ideas you can give me would be much appreciated.

I definitly agree with you that you need to want to get better before you do it. 100% because you are right. I think you need to motivate your sister and slowly try to show her the world, getting her out, tell her how much it would mean to you. Its really hard I guess, if shes refused counseling.. it makes the whole situation even more difficult. Well explain to her that she can get better, paint a picture of how her life could be if she went to counsuling sometimes thats irrisitiable.

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(Rating: 4) Thanks for your advice on my sister's agoraphobia. You are right in saying that I should SLOWLY show her the world - key word is SLOWLY (baby steps).

Have a gr8 day.
Linda (chakkuri)
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