I have befriended a schizophrenic for 20 years. He won't take meds. To keep him off the strets, I have given him a room upstairs. He continues to grow worse, and seems very juvenile in his emotional behavior, much like a ten year old boy acts. Is this usual? I don't know how to deal with the trantrums, threats and bullying, leaving me stranded in the middle of a task (I am 71 and it's hard on me). He steals salt, sugar, money and pop. Of coruse, he has no concept of self or his behavior. I feel sad that he has such a terrible illness and my kindness won't put him back out on the streets. This is a small town with no resources. The local police only take him to the city and dump him back on the streets. He hates the system and manipulates it for all it's worth. He also tries to maniuplate me at every turn. I am worn out. Can a schizophrenic ever "grow up"?
