Re: how can i help my son
Asked by carolynt2

Question:
 

i have just found out that my 18yr old son has been diagnose with schizophrenia. and he whats nothing to do with me because he keeps saying iam evil and its

very hard for me to handle because i love him dearly.and he also doesnt live with me .

My Advice:

Hey there carolynt2,  This is an emotional journey for the family while your son is ill with psychosis (paranoid thoughts/visions) & schizophrenia, however rest assured that the medication, though making him sleepy, is exactly what he needs at this time.  In a few weeks or more, you will see a marked improvement and will find your son is slowly able to return to his usual self, free from paranoid thoughts and delusions.  The problem is the illness does take some time to turn around, and in the meantime you need to find a way to protect your feelings from any irrational things that your son says or does. 

The most important thing you can do is ensure that he stays on the medication-the risk of relapse to another serious psychotic episode is great for peaple who stop taking their medication.  Many people go off their medication as soon as they are "well", but often become very ill with another psychotic episode (paranoid/delusional).  Take heart that you have many other people in the community just like you (I'm one!!) and many just like your son (my sister's one!) who have come through the same journey and are now living full lives free from the symptoms of mental illness.  My sister works part time, has a beautiful little girl and husband who accepts and dearly loves her, along with her diagnosis of schizophrenia (they have been through a few periods of her mental illness together).  Many people are ignorant and this can make life feel lonely for you/your son.  Do not listen to anyone unless they are open to learning about the facts of the illness.   

Remember to have some time out for yourself if you can and be gentle with your son, his anger/defensiveness usually comes from a place of great pain in his heart as his mind is telling him false/disturbing/hurtful things.   Sending lots of best wishes for you on this rollercoaster journey, take care,    lots of hugs,   from the 6ofus