Illusions and reality checks?

Chris is living alongside Friend/Family looking forward Family member is showing features of paranoid psychosis, untreated as... Send Message Subscribe: Chris

Sunday, August 24, 2008
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Hello everone, Please comment , and feel free to disagree.. I am trying to learn! My recent understanding is that we all experience illusion/ misinterpret reality as it presents to us occasionally, but that people with paranoid schizophrenia may have particular difficulty i...

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Hello
Christina Bruni
Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 06:46 PM

Hi Chris,

You have written about what goes on in a different way than others do, and yet in your own words you've described vividly the experience of schizophrenia.

Am I to understand you son isn't taking medication for his symptoms, or that he's on medication, yet has breakthrough symptoms?

You may want to read my SharePost titled, "Understanding Delusions," that also talks about this symptom.

With your love and compassion, your son will see this thing through.

I know you care deeply about him and don't want to see him in pain.

So understand that in their own way, delusions do serve a purpose.

Peace,

cb

re: Hello
Chris
Monday, August 25, 2008 at 10:34 AM

Thanks Christina for your reply and giving encouragement.

Yes, I have just gone to read your sharepost on understanding delusions. It is very interesting, and certainly seems to link with what I have been feeling, when listening carefully to our son.That rational core of self concept is helpful. It is also easy to see where frustration arises, when someone close is unable to 'swallow' the whole delusional explanation, even if it is carefully heard,accepted as seriously believed and not actively rejected.(which takes practice! but I think I am getting better at it) Must say it has become much easier, almost a relief, although a sad one of changed prospects, since we (my husband and myself) have accepted this is a serious illness, and wishful thinking,humouring/ excuses for his 'foibles' is no longer appropriate or helpful)

Our son fits the 'I am not sick' group at present, and so has not been formally diagnosed, but it is very clear now that he has persistent paranoid delusions, a definite florid psychotic episode one year ago, and other symptoms that fit.Verging on another florid psychosis again now. He is 28.

I know he would feel so much better with treatment.If only...We are working on it.

This site is a great support anyway.

Thanks

Chris

UK