[offthegrid]

I'm living with my 2 sisters. Sister 1 is significantly older than myself and sister 2.

Sister 1: tends to be grumpy and aggressive about everything from work to traffic. She has to be right about everything and she feels entitled to provide her unfiltered opinion on anything. Nothing is ever her fault and she's quick to refer to others in derogatory terms. Her appearance is even tense and I'm not the only person who thinks this. When me or sister 2 mention our problems or emotions sister 1 considers it weakness. As long as you lashing out at others you can complain all you want in her eyes.

Even when I was a small child I would be her sounding board for issues and I just agreed. I thought that negativity was normal. Now its just stressful but I always let her talk because I don't want her to be upset.

Sister 2: is very withdrawn socially and has anxiety issues. She can handle pressure and me or another family member usually has to step in and soothe her or handle things for her. Im finding it really hard to deal with my anxiety and hers too. She's always been like this to some degree but her emotional outbursts are getting to me. I know that this sounds selfish but why can't she just get over things?! I feel like I have to take care of her and myself and its not doing either of us any favors.

Sister 1 goes to work and sister 2 is okay when she's cool but otherwise my only out is going out with my boyfriend and that feels wrong and unfair to him somehow. Are there better ways to respond and cope with my sisters being stressed? Moving isn't an option.

[ChipperMonkey]

I have a severe anxiety disorder and the worst thing someone could ever say to me is "just get over it". If you had cancer would you want someone to tell you to just get over it? Nope. Its the same deal. However, if your sister isn't getting treatment I understand why you are frustrated. She should be taking care of herself and pushing herself to get better. You can be there to SUPPORT her, but you aren't her care taker. It isn't good that her emotional outbursts are getting to you. If she isn't in treatment, could you suggest it to her? I think its good to offer support, but if someone refuses to help themselves, that doesn't mean you have to stay and take the brunt of what they are dishing out.

[offthegrid]

I don't want to be harsh with her and I should be understanding because like I said, I have anxiety issues as well but I'm more liable to bottle things up. That's probably not very healthy though but it works if only for a little while. We are starting a business together and we both need to be functional for that. What do you mean when you say to support? I don't want to say the wrong thing and make it worse. I usually try not to say anything to both sisters when they are stressed for some reason. I don't know if she can get therapy because she's now has no health insurance (which was her response when I brought up that she should go).