Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
I'm worried about my sister. Lately she's been obsessed with fire. She talks about it, non stop facts about fires which was fine she's always loved sharing facts. But more recently she's been looking up fire pictures and videos. If she gets upset she says about burning things. I don't think she would ever do that but it is a worry and I have hidden the lighters and matches just in case.
She's 26 but still very childlike for her age. I will mention three years ago our sister was killed in a car crash and then she tried seeking support which sadly resulted in mental health teams trying to help her autism but they made it much worse and just stuck her in a hospital and that's made her worse and I'm sure it's behind her problems now.
What can I do to help? My parents are at a loss and no one wants to involve any professionals again as we don't want to see her in a hospital.
I'm not autistic but I do try to understand and I know she must be feeling rotten right now but I hope she knows I'm here for her. She's not talkative much but I do write to her as I know she finds it easier. I'm wondering if I should write to her about this but I don't want to push her in to a corner.
Advice and suggestions are more than welcome.
could be trying to be edgy.... if not then thats a worry and yeah shes probably a arsonist. if shes just trying to be edgy though no need to worry... all depends on what it is, some trendy edgy thing for show... or some serious issue that needs to be curved before disaster strikes from it.
From experience, the majority of patients in a mental health hospital smoke. This is hardly surprising, as nicotine is a highly addictive drug.
I agree with Ree, encourage her interest into a positive thing. She could learn about making campfires safely and things like that. Find safe and controlled ways to enjoy her love of fire.
I like fire a lot but it doesn't mean that I'm ready to burn houses down even tho I think burning things is so cool and watching them burn is utterly satisfying. On the other hand I wouldn't hurt a soul nor support destruction!!
If you are really worried then there are plenty of fire-related hobbies. What about learning fire acts as performing fire shows and so on?. I personally would love learning how to do that. I think circuses offer classes which can be fun, distracting and helpful for her healing.
Good luck!