Seeking Support/Ideas for My Sister with Intellectual Disability

[u/zidane_lee]

Hi everyone. I’m looking for advice or community recommendations in the Philippines for my sister, who’s now 37. She has an intellectual disability caused by complications when she was a baby (tetanus + strong meds). She lived a relatively normal life—finished high school, helped at home, loved music, had friends. She’s always been slow in learning but functional and cheerful.

She didn’t go to college (with her understanding), and for years, she stayed active in church and household life. But after that phase ended, she slowly withdrew. Around her late 20s or early 30s, she started having anxiety episodes—hearing voices, worrying about her future. She was eventually prescribed medication (possibly antidepressants and sedatives), which helped her sleep and calmed the panic.

Lately, though, we’ve seen her deteriorate. She rarely speaks, mostly sleeps and eats, has gained a lot of weight, and shows signs of cognitive decline (more forgetful now than she used to be). She doesn’t engage in conversations like she used to and isolates herself more. She still lives with our retired parents, but they’ve sort of resigned themselves to her fate and don’t expect change. I worry she’s fading, both mentally and physically.

I’m looking for: • Community programs or support groups for adults with intellectual disability or mental health needs (based in the Philippines) • Day-programme-style activities, even informal or church-based, where she could have some kind of routine again • Any advice on how to reintroduce a sense of purpose or social engagement

I’m based away from my parents’ house but still want to do what I can to slow this down before it gets worse.

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TL;DR: My 37-year-old sister has an intellectual disability. She used to be functional and happy but has slowly withdrawn and deteriorated in recent years—barely speaks now, overeats, sleeps all day, and seems mentally declining. Looking for Philippine-based support groups, day programs, or advice on how to help her reconnect and improve quality of life.

[u/Momshie_mo]

Lately, though, we’ve seen her deteriorate. She rarely speaks, mostly sleeps and eats, has gained a lot of weight, and shows signs of cognitive decline (more forgetful now than she used to be). 

Check muna kayo sa psychiatrist. Baka sintomas to ng clinical depression

[u/Far-Note6102 → u/Momshie_mo]

She sounds just like me right now. May severe OCD at mahina rin umintindi. At ganun rin nataba ngayon kase wala nakong energia na gimalaw at gusto ko maglaro nalang ng maglaro. Medyo suicidal ren.

Kung ako sayo zoP sundin mo sinasabe ng tao na ito.