Redditor Refuses To Let His Sister Move In With Him Because Of Her Mental Health Issues

OP believes that it's too dangerous to have her around his family.

Senad

• Published in Interesting
• August 13, 2023

Life can throw us unexpected curveballs, and sometimes, these challenges involve making tough decisions that affect our loved ones. One Reddit user recently shared a story that delves into the intricate balance between family support and personal safety.

About six months ago, OP's 40 sisters found herself in a difficult situation. She lost her apartment in a bustling city and stayed with their mother, who shared similar mental health struggles.

As this arrangement became unsustainable due to their mother's actions, OP, his wife, and their two young daughters offered her sister a place in their mother-in-law's apartment in a quiet town.

OP's sister usually maintained stability through a routine of healthy habits, but recent circumstances had thrown her life off balance. OP described the condition for her stay: finding a job and securing her apartment. Meanwhile, OP and his wife had been covering her monthly expenses, which amounted to around $400.

However, the story took a concerning turn. In a manic state, OP's sister intentionally rammed her SUV into a closed gate, causing extensive damage and totaling her vehicle. What's more, she wrecked an antique, hand-crafted cast-iron fence.

This action was planned, causing considerable financial and safety concerns for OP and his family, as their animals risked wandering onto a nearby freeway without the fence. Fortunately, their toddler had been playing in the yard shortly before the incident.

Following this episode, OP's sister was placed on a psychiatric hold. Despite periods of stability, she refused medication that could help manage her condition.

OP's sister seemed to have deliberately pushed herself into this manic state, intentionally avoiding sleep aids and jeopardizing the next steps toward finding a job and moving out.

OP faced a challenging dilemma: how to balance the safety and well-being of his family, property, and animals while also addressing his sister's need for support. The options available were limited – either bring her back to their home, which posed risks, or let her face homelessness, which presented its own set of challenges.

OP's sister came to live with him, his wife, and their two daughters

The sister has mental health issues and she had nowhere else to go

Last week, things changed

In the sister's mental state, she got into her car and drove it into OP's gate

She drove through the yard, too

She refuses to take her medication

OP is stuck because he doesn't want to leave his sister homeless, but she's too dangerous to be kept around

OP's done everything he could

Don't feel guilty, OP

It's not OP's fault

OP is grappling with the desire to help his sister while ensuring the well-being of his own family. The situation also underscores the complexities of mental health care, particularly when individuals resist necessary treatment.

OP's story serves as a reminder that empathy, understanding, and open conversations are key when dealing with complex family dynamics and mental health concerns.

Other Redditors showed support for OP, saying that he tried everything and that he has to take care of himself and his family.

Senad