Friday, October 19, 2007
I have a very dear friend whom I just met. She told me that she was diagnosed with paranoid sz. She has also told me of her childhood life and all the horrible things she has been through and there are many. My question would be how do I know these things are true. I myself am now learning about this disorder and have to wonder if some of the things she is telling me aren't hallucinations. She is a wonderful mother of two children and is married. I really like her alot and will be her friend no matter what.
Hello headylamarr,
She may have had some form of abuse which triggered the schizophrenia. Does she talk about it frequently? It is possible the two are related. I wouldn't push her, but if you feel the need to gently ask questions, decide if you want to.
Regards,
Chris
Well she does talk about the abuse almost everytime I see her. I never push. She does encourage me to ask questions and I do. I am just now learning about sz and was wondering how to distinguish a dilusion from reality.
headylamarr
Hello headylamarr,
I'm not sure you can know, except maybe if there are inconsistencies in her story whenever she repeats it.
Telling a delusion from a reality is tricky. She is a friend, so I understand it would be hard for you to tell her not to talk about the abuse.
But either way, if she's talking about it all the time, that's not productive. She needs to be in therapy if that is so. You're most likely not qualified to be a therapist, and she's your friend, so if the timing is right and she's receptive, you could suggest she go talk to a therapist.