Dear Kari,
My sister has been heavily drinking throughout the whole pandemic, and I am worried for her. She is married, has a full-time job, and has two small children doing school online, which I know has been stressful to manage. How can I help her gain control of her life and get it back on track?
– Worried Sister
Dear Worried Sister,
Your sister is not the only person who turned to alcohol during the pandemic. Unfortunately, it has become a coping mechanism for many of us.
To support your sister, I would set up a time to talk with her privately, away from her family. Share your genuine love for her and your concern she is not taking good care of herself by using alcohol for stress release. Ask her how she feels about her drinking, then offer her support by watching her children, giving her a break in her day. Recommend she speaks with a physician or counselor for therapeutic support. Just by sharing you are concerned for her welfare and you love her should help the conversation flow in the right direction and help her be open to your concerns. Good luck!
– Kari
As published in the October 2021 issue of Connections.
About Kari:
Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and a resident of Issaquah Highlands.
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