shizophrenia?

Question

we have a lot of problems with one of our friend and NGO members who is diagnosed shizophrenic. when she atops taking her medication (and this happens quite often) she gets really ill and needs to stay at the hospital for a long time. even "normally" she is a bit strange, but we love her and would hate to loose her. so, anybody who has friends or family members with this problem, how do you deal with the person, what to do when the crisis occurs, how do you let them know that you care fot them even if they have this problem (simply telling does not seem to work)? thank you very much

Answer 1

I had a year long schizophrenic episode from 16 to 17 years of age and I must tell you that it's lonely and frightening because a second world is created inside your head, and nobody believes you but you do. Kind of like, imagine you are a Christian but nobody else is your faith, it's strange and nobody will really hear your story about the crazy tale of a man hanged on a cross, it just sounds like babble then if nobody else believed. ( I believe so don't be offended, it's just the easiest way to say it)

Its sad she does not want to take her medication. I was lucky that mine was a one-time episode but I know I was lonely and scared the whole time. She probably doesn't believe or accept herself as ill to the point she says she is. It's a miserable existence and I think its very difficult to say since every schizophrenic is different, its not always the same issue and never the same hallucinations or false beliefs. Also, some accept themselves as ill and recover, others slowly wither away into a world of mania and insanity.

I think that being supportive and understanding is crucial, but any advice on this is strictly customized and personalized since its impossible to tell for a single one person... she is more than a schizophrenic she is also a person and the way she'll react to anything you do or say is subject to that.

Answer 2

I have a relative who lived with us after his parents died. He had every battle to fight with schizophrenia. He even underwent shock therapy treatment which did nothing for him. He refused to take meds so every day was a nightmare both for him and us. Finally, my Mother found a program for him where he was injected once a month with mega-vitamins. His whole world changed after that. Towards the end of each month, you could really tell it was time for his next shot. Anyway, I would say he is totally recovered now, got married has kids and is living a very good life. I cannot get a hold of him, and my Mother has since passed away, so I can't get you the information on these shots but I'm sure if you talked to a Doctor they would know what I am referring to. It was a monthly mega-vitamin shot.
I hope this helps, I know what it is like when strange things are always happening, not to mention wanting to help that person.

Answer 3

All you can do is continue to be supportive. Your friend obviously has a lot of caring family and friends and she will need your support and patience. Schizophrenic patients can often make poor decisions when it comes to their health (e.g. not taking meds) and they tend to do worse when this happens. Maybe someone could help give her the medicine each day to ensure she takes it? Other than that, just keep telling her you love and care for her. You are in a very difficult position as she may say she doesn't want your help. Sometimes we are just there to pick them up when they fall.

Answer 4

Did you mean schizophrenia?

Answer 5

IDK, ask John Nash.