How to deal with Schizophrenia

silverbaal · 11-16-2007, 05:09 AM

I'm not going to give you my life story but i'll tell you enough so that you'll understand.

I would love your advice.

My mother is schizophrenic...

Which pretty much means she is a child. Which means I have to be the adult from now on. But i'm really not sure if I can take care of both of us.

And no...She's not a genius.

I have a schizophrenic friend or a friend diagnosed as schizophrenic who is brilliant...Even when he's drunk. But that is not the case with my mother.

She doesn't understand anything. Even the simplest concept, you know, common sensical things, escape her. I don't know how to explain things to her.

Basically, we are facing a very tough financial situation. If we don't find a solution, we'll be poor.

I don't want to seem malicious, but i'm not sure if I want to stick around for that. If I want to stay with her. I'm nineteen and I have never lived a day in my life. I need to learn how to fend for myself sometime.

And sticking around with her, anything might happen.

I was suppose to go to art school this winter session but that's not going to happen now. (I'm trying to get my associates for graphic or fashion merch/design).

I've filled out all of the job applications I can, fast food, retail, etc. No one will hire me. I don't think i'm going to get a job until I have some sort of degree and resume. I've never had a job(Well one, but still).

I need my associates...Which is why I need to go to college.

My family back in NY state has offered to help and I was thinking of that this morning. At first, I was going to ask them for money, which they agreed. But now I think it might be good if I were close to them for the time being. That I could go to a school in NY City and stay close to home until I can take care of myself.

Because of my mom's schizophrenia, though, I mean, we haven't been to see our relatives since I was knee-high. She wants nothing to do with them. I can't make her go...

But should I?

We are both constantly dependent on her money. That's not a good thing because she's so absent-minded, we could both end up destitute.

I really haven't touched on the subject at hand but I don't want to be overly whiny.

I think you get the idea.

I'd just like some suggestions as to what I could do. Yes, of course, only I can make the decisions. But I 'd still like some advice.

Thanks.

silverbaal · 11-16-2007, 05:22 AM

Eh. Well, I guess this is the whining section. Not the advice forum, lol.

Smile · 11-16-2007, 05:39 AM

Umm..that sounds like a really tough situation there. It seems to me that you could do a lot more for your mom in the long run if you went ahead with your education. Perhaps you could ask your family in NY to help take care of her while you went to school/worked, even if she doesn't want anything to do with them. I'm sorry about your mom and current situation. Good luck with everything!

silverbaal · 11-16-2007, 06:10 AM

Aww. Thanks so much for the response, hon. I really appreciate it.

I think that's the best option I have so far, too.

Smile · 11-16-2007, 06:12 AM

No problem.

Underwater Ophelia · 11-16-2007, 08:14 AM

If she actually has this disease, and it's so bad she can't function as an adult, she needs real care.

Take her to a hospital, or talk to her therapist (if she has one, if not, fix that quick) about getting her in a hospital.

silverbaal · 11-16-2007, 05:48 PM

Yeah. I have to be sneaky about it, but i'm definitely going to call someone to help in the next few days.

Green.Lady · 11-16-2007, 07:18 PM

I don't know what to say but... poor baby!

I really hope things work out for you.

silverbaal · 11-17-2007, 06:12 AM

Aww. It's ok. Thanks for the support. I appreciate it.

Rosie · 11-17-2007, 08:49 PM

Sounds like more than schizophrenia, almost... you sure it's just that?

silverbaal · 11-18-2007, 10:05 AM

I think so, but i'm not sure...i've been noticing it since I was young. It's definitely gotten worse.

She doesn't go out of the house. She hasn't had a boyfriend since my father, whom i've never known (I could care less about him, though. I was just saying) If i'm not mistaken, i'm no psychologist, but I think schizophrenia emcompasses a lot. Agoraphobia. Lack of initiative.

Religion has a lot to do with it, too. Only because, because of her beliefs she believes certain things. I'm definitely not saying all Christians are like her...

She's been having delusions since forever, thinks she has power from God, thinks God's going to do everything for her and for us. So she doesn't bother doing anything.

Wormboy · 11-18-2007, 10:47 AM

Dude you need to find a mental institution. This is beyond your means, I'm sorry to say that. Good luck man

silverbaal · 11-18-2007, 11:13 AM

Not at all. Yeah, I know. I'm on it.

KontanKarite · 11-18-2007, 11:14 AM

Yeah, this requires more than just a loving child. This requires professionals that know what's up. You HAVE to live for you, man. I don't even mean that in a hedonistic kind of way. Essentially, how can you help your mom if you can't even get a job?