Schizophrenia and Parenting: Step In or Let Go?
A message comes to me via social media, along with an invitation to connect. It simply says, "My 27 year old child has schizophrenia, but will not get treatment." Oh boy, can I relate to that. Unfortunately, this is a major dilemma facing all of us who deal with mental illness in our families.
Parenting is always about the precarious balance between stepping in to help, and letting go to allow learning from experience. From a child's first steps to his or her first relationship, car, job, apartment...when to give advice? When to help? When to step back and watch them sink or swim?
For the parents of a child without a physical or mental illness, this process is difficult enough; for those who are dealing with illness in our children, it's that much harder. The consequences of stepping aside, of letting go, could be disastrous: poverty, hospitalization, an arrest, flight, or even - tragically - suicide.
Schizophrenia and Freedom Without Parents
My own son, Ben, 29, has just moved from seven years in a group home (24 hour staffing) to his own apartment. There is some support - a caseworker, medication supervision - but also a new lack of structure. No required group meetings. No chores scheduled. No one - except the roaches - to know if he washed the dishes or not.
Am I excited for him? Of course. Am I concerned? You bet I am. Is there much I can do? Only some things. He could crash, he could cheek his meds, he could oversleep and miss an appointment, he could become lonely and isolated. But if I call to see how he is, he sees right through me. "Mom, I'm fine. I'll get to work on time. Of course I' m taking my meds. I'm fine in the apartment all alone on my day off. Yes, I"ll unpack soon."
So I let him live. Alone. And I watch from the wings, ready to alert his caseworkers if I see any warning signs. Three days ago I saw the unmistakable (to me) signs that Ben had missed a day of meds - so I sounded the alarm to all new staff members who donot know his tricks yet. And now he's okay again - so far.
Now I only see him on family occasions, or on rainy days when he can't take his bike to work. Could he wind up in the hospital again if I am not there to witness symptoms? Yes, of course. And I hate that. But we have only so much control.
Parenting My Adult Son with Schizophrenia
As always, we do what we can and then hope for the best. Keep an eye out for trouble, and our hearts in a place of faith in Ben and his ability to make the adjustments to this new life. Scary? Oh yes. We do the best we can for our loved ones -secretly or openly - and then sometimes all that's left is to take care of ourselves and the rest of our family.
My mantra at these times? "Whatever happens, we will handle it somehow."
I don't always know how, but I know that we've managed before, and will again. And I ask for help when I need it.
APA Reference
Kaye, R.
(2011, May 31). Schizophrenia and Parenting: Step In or Let Go?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, April 30 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/mentalillnessinthefamily/2011/05/schizophrenia-and-parenting-step-in-or-let-go
Author: Randye Kaye
Sorry to hear about that. Eleven years old IS a rare age to be diagnosed, so it can hard for anyone to grapple with. Hopefully she has a support system around her that can also support you. If she doesn’t have them already, a family therapist may be helpful to manage her illness but also help you as parents figure it out. Regardless of her diagnosis, if she’s having behaviors at school, the social worker can provide assistance. I imagine she has an IEP, too, and that can help both you and her dad measure what’s going on and what helps her when she’s having difficulties at school. Her father can certainly get a second opinion. There’s nothing wrong with healthy skepticism, and a second opinion may help him better come to terms with it if those tests still indicate schizophrenia. Meanwhile, try your local NAMI chapter (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Their whole purpose is to support families and provide education and resources. Best wishes to you and your family.
I am so happy I found this site. I have been reading so much about schiz issues and none ever mentioned violence. I too have a son that we have been dealing with for 7 years now. Only in the last 3 years hes gotten progressively worse. He is sensitive to sounds such as Cars driving by with broken mufflers, trash pick up trucks, motorcycles ect...He literally runs outside to start a war and chases these vehicles on foot or by car. I fear for him as he may stop the wrong car and get shot or similar. He has been lately yelling the "F" word in our house and slamming doors to the point of shaking the house. I am terrified of him I was at the brink of suicide because I didn't want to live with it anymore. We rent and didn't want to get the landlord involved in evicting him but my husband saw that I was barely living anymore and talked the to our landlord to get him evicted. That night the police showed up and had him pink slipped to Psych hospital which only kept him 8 days and released him while there we moved everything in to storage and told him he was evicted. He is now on the streets living in his car, of course now I am worried about him getting himself killed as he approaches anyone. Of course as soon as he got released he refused to take his meds. I don't know what to do anymore. I no longer want him here at our house and it has been tough for me thinking about him out on the streets. I sometimes want to give in but when I talk to him and try to encourage him to take the meds he just refuses and says hell take care of it naturally with god. He thinks everyone is out to get him and everyone does not deserve to live on this earth. It's crazy he was verbally abusing us and we were literally walking on pins and needles in our home as every sound he heard triggered him. I can't talk to him at all about meds. He has been in a psych ward 3 times now. Untill he admits he will not heal. The other issue is he has read all about the side effects of the drug and refuses them because of that.
Hi Lei, my 26 year old daughter suffers with the same symptoms. I'm trying to hang in there but it's tough. Can't have a life with her constant disruptions. I hope we both can find some answers. God bless.
After seven years our son33 lied about taking his meds physically harmed himself to be put in hospital few times plus mental wards has a Depot needle now last two months aggro listless and scary
My 42 year old son is diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic. He is homeless and lives in the Newark, NJ train station apparently. Recently I called around and got him into a wonderful treatment program and got a case manager assigned to him. She got him him ID, SSDI, Medicaid, etc. He dresses bizarrely, covering his mouth, wearing tons of clothes, sunglasses, wool hats, or bandanna. We finally got him to see a shrink for "talk therapy" which I think he is still doing but refuses to get on meds. He had a family, son, a place to live, and a job. This is just a summary of his problems. Just when I thought we were having a breakthrough, the program he was in kicked him out because he refused to do anything to help himself. He was offered multiple housing vouchers and refused them. His father and I are divorced but united in his care, however, how can you help someone who refuses to help himself. He is rapidly deteriorating and I fear for his life. I pray and pray every day. Before this program, we were sending him money and that is when I found this amazing program. Now if he wants to ever reenter the program, he will be at the bottom of the list. It is a continuous nightmare. We fought to get permission to even speak to his case manager because of HIPAA. He is well aware that he needs to sign a release form. We have had sporadic updates due to me bribing him with money and it worked, but now he is out there again and I do not know what he is doing until I hear from him.
This can be the toughest part of some mental illnesses! That lack of understand one’s own illness is pretty common with schizophrenia, and it can make it hard for someone to accept help offered to them. As an adult, your son can make these choices, and you unfortunately can’t force him to do otherwise. I’d suggest speaking with your local NAMI chapter (national alliance on mental illness) about resources are available to you in NJ. Interventions range from calling 911 if needed to guardianship or civil commitment, and those all vary based on states and counties. Ultimately, the only thing you have full control over is your own health and well-being I hope you can find support groups through NAMI or elsewhere. They exist for parents of children with schizophrenia and may help you cope with this super tough situation.
I am dealing with something very similar with a 28 y/o son. He's home but he won't go to treatment or take psych meds and he's not on SSI because he doesn't think he has a problem so as a single mother I am not able to pay my taxes due to having to support him. It's wearing on me big time. Right now he's in a semi-manic state as he's coming in and out of his room with delusional ideas that I set out to ruin his life and am using him for some sort of financial gain. He's not even supposed to be living here with me. I'm about to call 911 and lie to them and say that he said that he's going to kill himself. They won't admit him if he's just completely psycho and they see him here with mom. And a friend who works at a psych hospital said that the process of conservatorship starts with a 5150 or several 5150s. Once they are in the system you can start the process. Problem is, getting him in the system. Now he's asking me to just give him a ride back to Santa Cruz where he'll end up back on drugs. He takes suboxon and he's been clean almost six months but at a high price on both of us. I'd say to you that maybe call 911 and have him admitted and stabilized for a few days and then start the process of conservatorship so that you can have more control but I also hear it's not an easy process.
I'm going through same sort of stuff as you all. My daughter has schitoaffective disorder. She lives with me and is 26 yrs old. She continues to digress and theres no help. Shes been in state hospital and arested 4 times. She became violent with me and I put her out of my home. She was on the streets and I took her back in. Im doubting my judgment to allow her to live with me again. There's always some chaos going on in my home. ALWAYS!!!! Never a dull moment. Ive exhausted all means to get her help, even took nami's family to family course. It's affecting my health and well being. Ive ended up in urgent care twice in a month from severe stress induced hives. I am now having anxiety and depression issues. I basically live in my room, because she's explosive and tells me I'm trying to kill her, ive ruined her life, im an f---ing b--ch! She's extremely mean and disrespectful to me and damages my house. I have to repeatedly tell myself shes has an illness and its taken over. My body is done, but my heart is breaking. Is it time to let go??? Praying for everyone here and for their ill loved one. So much grief and pain and cant get the help she so desperately needs.
Jennifer Cakus, I'm so sorry about you daughter and what you're going through. I've been there done that. My son 33 lives in a locked skilled nursing facility. It is beyond heart breaking. He asked me today if he could come back and live with me. I wish I could say yes. I know it won't work. We've tried it many times. And so I feel horrible not letting him and he feels rejected and abandoned. It's an unbearable situation. And I wrong? Do we try it again? And when it doesn't work then what?! I know he had an illness, but I can't fix it. I've tried. I've helped and been his best advocate. I'm his guardian and he resents me and blames me. But it is his life, choices, anger, behavior. ..his path. I can't carry him through it. He will have to find his way. Am I crazy? wrong?so so so sad.
This is such a tough situation, and it's hard to judge from an outside perspective! As an outsider (and as someone who often works with people with schizophrenia who need intensive supportive housing, like your son), I can say that it really does sound like you made the best decision for your family, but I'm not a part of your family, so that's truly up to you all to decide ultimately. You have to weigh the pros and cons of whether being at home is better for him or not. Would he potentially stop taking meds, engage in dangerous behavior etc., if he went home? Would that be better or worse than his seeming resentment? Over time, will some of his feelings change, and he might be able to understand why you made the choice you did? Would it perhaps be helpful to find an independent professional to do the guardianship so that he doesn't associate these decisions with you? That's a tough decision to make, and you'll have many questions to ask yourself. Are there step-down options for him? Could he move to a supported group home type environment or an apartment with intensive community supports in place? I don't know a lot about the state/county you live in, but perhaps reaching out to social services for help and engaging more people in the decision making process to that you don't feel so alone. I really hope it turns out for the best! Good luck to you both.
I have a son who has schizophrenia 24 years old. i found out that caffeine is a major problem. My son was breaking everything in my house and i noticed it was when he drank caffeine. He loved those energy drinks but the caffeine rises the dopamine in his brain. Now he is 100 percent not violent. He is more controlled when he is angry. When your daughter gets violent bring her into the kitchen and crush up a clodopin medicine in a little juice in glass and walk away to let the medicine work. This will in minutes and stop the violent behavior. When my son drinks a Redbull i need 2 clodpins. He wants his caffeine and i will not give him money because he cant have the caffeine. You will be able to live with her again. What i try to help my son with is just basic living. Eating right and sleeping good and finding things to do. Once this illness hits they stay doing the same things they did before the illness. I do not put stress on him because he cant handle it. It is not normal for us to not do anything all day but for this illness there still in stress.
They talk about gone control but no word of mental coverage or treatment programs. My child is treated as a criminal. As if the menntal illness doesn't exist. It's disgusting and we are living in a third world country. I wish all parents would get on the same page and start making phone calls and holding Marches. You call the police they see what is apparent nothing happens....social services might as well take up the profession of writing obituaries. There is blood on so many hands on the upper level. Exhausted but refuse to give up.
Totally agree with you. If we could just mobilize and do marches like they did with the Parkland shooting.
Also, she lacks the insight of her illness, therefore she doesn't seek help nor is she on anti-psychotic meds. She really needs. Eds, treatment and therapy. She had refused all - due to a government conspiracy and she also claims shes psychic, has special abilities and is an empath. This enables her to be able to talk to dead people, and other people who aren't even in the same vicinity as her. She loathes her grandmother (my mom), because apparently my mom tried to poison and kill her. Its just one thing after another. I am told nothing can be done, unless she's brandishing a weapon znd threatening to use it on herself or someone else. So i sit idly and "wait" for something terrifying to happen in order for her to "possibly" get the help she needs. All the while living in a oppressive and unstable environment as my health goes down the tubes. God please help us all.
Oh Jennifer,
I wish I could tell you that everything will be okay, or offer some sage advice that will fix the problem. But, you and I both know there's no magic bullet out there that will fix this. All of your choices are "bad." And, I'm so sorry. You are right, however, in doing all you can to take care of yourself. You need to do this for yourself, and for your daughter in case there comes a time when she wants help. Do you have friends or family that you can turn to? Or, even just someone to go out and have coffee with to fill your own soul? In the meantime, it sounds like you've done all you can and have really stepped forth to be a good mom. That's all you can do. Take care of yourself.
Those thoughts are coming from the illness that's what it does to her. You need to take her to a physiatrist who knows the medication and [moderated] My son has this for 7 years now. He would not take the medicine so i had to tell him either take the medicine or live in a hospital. Also he was cheeking the medicine so i crush it up in the kitchen in a little juice and he take it while i am in the kitchen and he doesn't have to go to the hospital. This illness is so hard to cope with because they think nothing is wrong. There thoughts are not real. Don't pay attention to those bad things she says its the illness. She still is the lovely girl you knew. There brain is not functioning right and they know it. I have to tell my son relax your safe at home Because his thoughts are not clear. I tell its okay and find something he likes to do listen to music, play games, take pictures with his camera. Or just rest because they cant control these thoughts of things that are not real. I tried everything school, work, groups the last thing my son wants is to talk about the illness he just wants his life back. So the only thing you can do is help him take care of himself with everyday guidance. making sure he has food and care. You have to work on one thing at time. The medical community will tell you they have to take charge of there illness but my son is not there yet and i have to do it for him to live.
I too have a 32 year old daughter that has been diagnosed, our therapist is telling us NOT to tell Sarah (our daughter) of the diagnosis in "hopes" that Sarah will come to find this on her own...in the meantime, Sarah has stopped going to therapy, what do you suggest, as a mother, do I tell my daughter she has a mental disorder?
Hi Jessica Jane Forst,
As the mother of two mentally ill adult daughters, I couldn't disagree with your therapist more. (Mind you, I'm strictly speaking for my own experience.) Would you withhold a diabetes diagnosis? Would you withhold a cancer diagnosis? This is another serious illness that needs to be addressed. When your daughter finds out that she has a mental illness and you knew and didn't tell her, she'll feel betrayed. Instead, I would research your daughter's diagnosis, find out celebrities or other famous people who share your daughter's disorder and are thriving in their lives, see if you can find info on successful new treatments, then sit down with her and discuss how her behaviors are linked to the diagnosis but here are the things we can provide as tools to overcome your challenges. Chances are she'll have a personal "ah-ha" moment when she realizes the diagnosis makes things make sense. Empower your daughter with hope that, now that she understands what's happening to her, she can use the tools available through medication and counseling, to achieve her highest potential. It won't be easy, a mental illness diagnosis can feel devastating, but by empowering your daughter with knowledge, you can allow her to take control of her life and her disease. Check out NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) for both of you. You can find the number of your local chapter on the Resources page of the HealthyPlace.com website. They have group meetings for your daughter and family-to-family support groups for you. Good luck to both of you.
Hi Jennifer, We have similar problems with a relative. He took medications for 5 years and developed a bad case of suicidal ideation, irritability, sound sensitivity and head hitting as side effects from antipsychotics. Due to these problems his medications were reduced about 8 months ago and we are experiencing some out-of-control behavior. I was wondering if your daughter took medications in the past. Withdrawal brings about some severe problems.
I came to this site looking for support but found none . So sad
My 33 year old son is schizophrenic and ruining my marriage (his father died when my son was 11), my other 3 children reject him and ignore him. He refuses help because he is a “targeted individual” and the government is torturing him. The websites for targeted individuals instruct them to never go to a psychiatrist, and tell them the government is ruining their lives and their families will eventually reject them. I feel so sorry for him, because he is genuinely afraid 100% of the time. He has out triple locks on every door in our home, spotlights on the side of our house and in general is disruptive. Our family doctor prescribed some anti-psychotics for him, but he looked the side effects up on the internet and refused to take them (impotence, kidney issues etc). He self medicates with marijuana and who knows what else. 2 DUI so cannot drink. I’m at the end of my rope. I did just read a study about schizophrenics having infections in their brain, and the effect of doxycycline treatment. Taking him tomorrow to MD. If this doesn’t help, I will have to remove him from my home. He thinks I should buy him a house! Ugh. Thanks for the vent....
Hi Debbie,
I can only imagine how hard this must be for your family.
I highly, highly recommend you get your hands on this book before doing anything drastic: https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Mental-Illness-Treatment-Anniversary/dp/0967718937/ref=sr_…
(I have no affiliation with the book and nor does HealthyPlace.)
Your son is not alone and neither are you.
- Natasha Tracy
- Blog Manager
- Author of "Breaking Bipolar" blog
Hi Debbie,
I am so sorry for all the troubles you are having. That has got to feel overwhelming. I'm glad Natasha offered you some reading material that might be helpful in making your decisions. I would like to add that I really feel NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) is a wonderful resource for support for you and your kids. Not only can you meet other parents who are experiencing similar issues, but they also have groups for siblings so that your children can feel like they are also getting the support they might need. Additionally, NAMI can put you in touch with local resources and give you a place to vent. (We all need to do that.) HealthyPlace.com has contact information for NAMI on their "Resources" page. I wish you, your son, and the rest of your family only the best as you navigate through this difficult journey.
Im sorry for what youre going through with your son hearing voices, tormenting him. It must be difficult for you because you dont know what to do to help. Please try to understand that your son is telling he truth and he is being tortured. Will you email me so we can talk? patrickross9@tutanota.com
Hi, my son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia a year ago, since then it’s been a roller coaster ride. He takes his medication most of the time because I’m always reminding him, if I don’t he will forget. He is always saying he’s an adult and he can do what he wants and that he doesn’t need help. I feel so stressed out, to tell you the truth I’m scared that he will have a phycotic break and kill us all, I’ve read quite a few news stories about schizophrenics killing their moms or when have an episode. He has no where to go and I feel bad enough for feeling like this but sometimes I just want him to go away so I don’t have to deal with it. But I love my son and I can’t let him go and suffer by himself. I don’t know what to do. Where we live (Oshawa, Canada) there is so very little help for people with schizophrenia much less support for families. I just need to get this off my chest. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Priscilla,
What a terrible position you are in. I feel for you and what you are going through. You are not alone--there was a time I had very similar feelings about my severely bipolar daughter. Being here in the States, I don't know what resources you have available, but I would suggest that you call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 and start there. It is a hotline for services for mental illness, addiction and other difficulties and seems to have a wide networks of services. Even if your support is only over the Internet or through a help line, you need some support to get you through this time. Please reach out; I believe help is out there. Secondly, here is a link to an article about schizophrenia and violence https://www.living with schizophreniauk.org/schizophrenia-and-dangerous-behaviour. While it was written in the UK (rather than Canada) I think it has a lot of good hard facts for you to hang on to so that you don't frighten yourself too much with some of the horror stories one can find on the Internet. Finally, is your son in therapy? Can you coordinate with the therapist to provide your son with help? Here, privacy laws mean that providers cannot talk to the parents of adults with mental illness without written consent, but we get around that law by having one-way conversations whereby the parent talks to the therapist but the therapist doesn't talk back. My point is, adult or not, it is possible to actively participate in your son's healing with a little creativity. I know you feel overwhelmed now, but if you can help your son take little baby steps toward wellness, those steps eventually add up to some real gains. Six years ago, I was living in a similar hell with my daughter, but with meds, therapy and lots of little baby steps, we are now in a much better place. That you and your son can find a place of wellness is my wish for you.
Susan, I appreciate your encouragement with baby steps for Priscilla. I am going to go to sleep now and know that baby steps do add up. One day at a time. Pray, do my best and know that if I can help my son get his life back, all the effort is worth it. You are a very sweet lady and much appreciated. You are the calm in the storm. Thank you Cynthia
I FEEL LIKE I CANT TAKE IT ANY LONGER AND FEEL GUILTY! my daughter is 20 and has schizophrenia. diagnosed at age of 13. She tears apart the house, always asks for $ and ride, needs to talk about her religion for hours trying to keep her mind occupied and distracted from the voices and hallucinations. She is totally dependant on us and I worry for her future. Is it best to put her in a residential home to become independant or suck it up and apreciate what baby steps she makes along the way. What is best for her? She takes her meds and counseling once a week.
I want to help you, but I don't feel qualified to answer these questions because I don't know you or your daughter. I think you should ask her doctors these questions, or join a support group and ask the people there. Sorry I can't be of more help!
Yes, Donna, isn't that the $64,000 question? My girls are 23 and 26 and both suffer from bipolar disorder (the oldest also has Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder.) Your daughter sounds very much like mine (especially a couple of years ago.) Their dad and I are constantly asking ourselves what the future holds for our girls. I lay awake nights worrying about their ability to live independent lives. I really feel for you and the struggles you're going through. I wish I had a magic answer for you (or me) to know what is best for your child. For me, I'm waiting for an answer to settle into my heart and let me know the correct course. I'm afraid that is the best I can hope for you, too. But know, Donna, that you aren't alone. My thoughts are with you.
Following this blog. I am in a tough spot. My boyfriend of 8 years has a 23 year old adopted son who has lived on the streets, been incarcerated, and recently overdosed. His near death experience has brought him into my boyfriends life full time. Since, we have tried to assist him with getting a job, getting him housing, and finding him treatment. He too believes the government is after him and believes that their are people searching for him. He abuses his meds, self medicates (using meth), and refuses to go to counseling. I have been trying to be a supportive girlfriend, but it is becoming unbearable and affecting my own health (ulcers, stress, anxiety). I sincerely felt like I had finally found the man of my dreams, and now I have learned that he comes with a very disruptive son, and an ex-wife that my boyfriend feels he must "parent his child with". After 6 months of trying to provide this 23 year old housing, he has lost his job, can't function in society and won't get mental health help. His parents have said to him, "you have two weeks to get yourself a job, start earning an income, and go to mental health counseling". My question is: Can you ask a schizophrenic, bi-polar, severely depressed 23 year old to do any of these things? And does anyone know if individuals living with these diagnosis even understand the concept of time?
If he's still delusional especially, you can't ask him to get a job. It sounds to me like he needs to be hospitalized, especially if he won't get help. I have schizoaffective disorder, and I'm on meds and I understand the concept of time. But I've been compliant with my doctors for decades.
Great job that you understand and take your meds and your compliant with your doctors. There are many individuals out there like my son that has schizophrenia that is are in
denial. He he has anything. He is like many others who refuses to take meds. He does go and see a psychiatrist that gives him a prescription for medication. He is 37 years old he refuses to take it. He becomes very violent aggressive, has severe paranoia and has been diagnosed with PTSD. My point is congratulations to you that you know what you need to do to help yourself. Individuals like my son are very difficult it's devastating , scary and upsets me because he can't live alone the last house he had he destroyed. Sadly that in the state of New Mexico there is no mental health programs that will help if he refuses to get help.. I've tried to get guardianship and that failed so each time he acts out he goes to jail and that's not the solution.
Hi
These posts nave been so helpful.Thank you.My son 38 after 10 yrs of being relatively well on injections has relapsed very badly.
i warned jis case coordinators for lver 2 mths that this was happening.Fimally too late they put out a warrant to compulsorily put him in hospital but hes gone missing and has been for a week now..The police phone me every day to update me but I actually cant take any more.Ive done everything I can.Ive got to let go for my own sanity and health.
Hi,
I lost my immediate family to suicides (husband of 32 years, ten mths later my older son, then 22, in his delusions, shot, four strangers, murdering two.
Fout years ago, my remaining son had a psychotic break, and was diagnosed with schizophrenia paranoia. His delusions held me responsible for the suicides, and as a fallen archangel, revengee must be undertaken against me, with a silver bullet he was trying the cast himself.
Fast forward through 3 years of (unmedicated) hell. At last was able to persuade him to take meds, and he became ‘normal’!!!
I even convinced myself this past year, that yhey must have misdiagnosed him...
I am alone - as in - my son is the sole family that I have (my father, from Germany, had been my only family that I had , he passed in ‘81.
Not a single inlaw, from my late husband’s family will become involved.
I do have several friends who support me emotionally, but that’s it.
In Alaska, mental health care is vastly underfunded. My son lives in a waterless cabin, and I cannot handle him living with me - it doesn’t feel safe.
Not sure I can handle this second round of his illness- I became almost a wreck the last time.
He’s been off meds now for over 6 mths, and refuses to resume them - after all, he is not ill..
I want to move out of this harsch environment i have lived in all these years - I am over 60 now. And I am afraid if I sell my house and move, my son’s chances of healing drop to nill.
I don’t know how one can move a mentally ill person to another state and receive mental health care and housing assistance there.
Help
It can be done... every state has help, although the help is not uniform across the states, which is stupid in my opinion. I believe Massachusetts and New York have the best mental health systems in the USA. … which isn't saying much as the USA rated a "D" (below average) on the MHA website (mental health of America organization?)… I can't remember exact name... I was reading as many books as I could on the subject and attending seminars and classes to try to help my son. Now I'm a total burn out on it. NAMI and SARDAA are great resources though. SARDAA has a phone conference every Tuesday night at 7 pm Eastern Standard Time... it's open to anyone anywhere. Good luck... I myself am trying to get guardianship and then to get my son out of my home and into a group situation where maybe they can help him. It's too much for one person (me) to handle anymore... I am almost 60 and I'd like to have a life too. I got him an apartment but so far he won't move into it. If this doesn't work.. I may have to do a restraining order. I'd rather see him get help and get support from a community but like many said, he thinks he is not sick. He is very paranoid but too dependent on me and our relationship is not healthy for him or me. He has no real life either.
November 21, 2019
Your post broke my heart. I feel your confusion and sadness. You have done so very much to help/understand your situation. Is your son difficult to live with? I see you mentioned the restraining order so, I’m just wondering. I’m not familiar with the “guardianship” but if that’s something that you believe will change the relationship for the better do it and....you can let go.......knowing he is going to be ok. You have done the very best that you could for him. I hope you are doing well.
Hello Rita,
We are in Northern California, but would consider relocating just about anywhere to find good services for our 26 y.o. son with Schizzo-Affective. Wondering why you think New York and Massachusets are the best states. Ideally, we'd like to be in an area with a broad range of supported living options as well as good residential with transition and step-down services that are affordable. There seem to be several back east according to ARTUSA but many are $20, 000 and up per month. We can supplement his SSI by about $2000/month. How is your son doing now. I see your post is older, so do you still feel the same about New York and Massachusets? Please email me if you can at jbengry@aol.com. thank you much, Sara
My son too is in Alaska and your words literally could be my own. .. I’m in Alabama and my struggle is heart wrenching.. I can’t even discuss my son with my husband and That adds to my turmoil... I could go on and on but I wanted to reach out to you because I sincerely feel your pain.
My son is 48 and didnt have any mental issues until he was 40. He had significant trauma that took him into this darkness. He never would have gotten help but because he lives with my husband and I he had no choice. He saw a psyciatrist who gave him many meds with meds on top of those to handle the side effects. He was suppose to get therapy but slipped through the cracks seeing her only 5 times in a four yr period. He continued getting worse. He diagnosed him with bipolar. This doctor just wasnt helping. Then while he was on vacation he saw a new doctor. He was god sent. He.friendly open and caring with great personality. He said you had no symptoms of any mental issues until 40 yrs old. My son said no. He said you had lots of bad trauma. He said yes again. The doctor said u have ptsd. Thats what i thought also. My son said about 20 yrs prio four guys broke into his house all had boots on and kicked him in the head very badly. Said also severe brain injury. We decided to follow this doctor. Took few months. No treatment and my son was getting manic and yelling and beat my husband badly. Was placed in mental hospital and wasvthere three and half weeks. Now more new meds. He stopped talking to us and never showered or kept his clothes or room clean. I found mildew iin glasses of milk and mold on his dishes. His room stunk. His grooming was none.We see the same doctor but cant seem to get the meds correct. He never sleeps and still rarely. He talks to voices and yells at voices and my husband and I now are 66 and we have our own issues. He has gained fifty plus pounds. Hes loud. He leaves doors open and our dog could get out. He never remembers anything. He smokes and almost burned our house down several times. We cant leave him alone for any lenght of time. I follow behind him constantly to clean up his room, dishes, etc. Never remembers. Used to help with chores. No more. Hes been hospitalized.several times and never helps. Hes in a guarded state now says last hospital and now schophrenic with psychotic features and auidtory hallucinations. It has killed our marriage. My husband not his biological dad. I even have to give him his meds. My doctors say its too much stress on my heath issues and now my husbands heart. We have to find him a place to go. My heart rips out just typing this. We cant hrlp him anymore we arent experts or doctors. We just love him so much that this isnt working and its time to get him serious help. I hope its possible. I so want him to be able to care for himself before i leave this world. He has no one. No brothers or sisters and no friends at all.I pray rach day for a miracle or help from some or somewhere. He used to own two homes. Had two beautiful kifs. My grandkids that we arent able to see because my son is sick. He was a people person who was a general sales mgr at a car dealership. No hes locked in his room afraid to even be in a social setting even with family He is someone we are afraid of and dont even know him. He needs help now. The Mental health association is really not able to help us at this stage though he gets his meds there monthly.
I have a 23yr old son who was diagnosed 4 years ago with paranoid schizophrenia. I am so exhausted I work full time and have two other children. I spend most of my time tending to my older son. He sometimes forgets to take his meds and cannot leave the house without having panic attacks. I am a single mom however I have been getting some help from my mom and Grandfather getting him to appointment and weekly labs while I’m at work. Despite several med changes and recalabrating dosing he still hears voices. My issue with him is that despite several attempts to get him into life skill programs he refuse to do the work. Lately several people on his dads side seem to have all the answers they want him to get a job and go back to school. I’m so frustrated because I have several conversations a day with my son about this he is fixated on it. I would love it if this was in his future. However right now for a person who can not leave the house or when he does has major anxiety. I am so exhausted and I really don’t know what to do. How do you tell people who have no idea what your child goes through or myself is going through to mind their business. I have to deal with his anxiety once they get him all excited about all the suggestions they make that he will never be able to do unless he gets over his anxiety and paranoia.
What kind of place did your son stay in? I'm looking for a place for my daughter. She's 28, has always lives at home, and will not take her meds, is still hearing voices. Where can I go for help?
My son is 45 he has just lost his job he has a partner whom he does not live wth at least he did tell me he has been given notice I did say Ivwas sorry to hear that his partner has never tried to get medical help for him which I find very difficult to understand where do I go for now
I have a 29yr old son that has schizophrenia, he is not on any medications, has been inpatient on several occasions. Lives at home with me and I feel stuck, trapped, and have not had any success trying to be him help. There is very limited assistance in my area. I am overwhelmed not being able to properly help him. Any suggestions