Apprehensive just now, MAY be getting nearer to help for our adult son;
2 days ago he gave permission for us to try and find someone to assess and see if he might benefit from some therapeutic 'help' as we had been gently suggesting, bu...
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son
David Robbins
Friday, August 29, 2008 at 08:30 AM -
Suggestion
Christina Bruni
Friday, August 29, 2008 at 02:29 PMHello Chris,
I am going to suggest that you read the Xavier Amador book, I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help, in which the psychologist coaches family members in how to talk to loved ones who have anosognosia, a lack of awareness that they have an illness.
He uses the technique, motivational interviewing, so family members can find out the life goals the loved one has, and when a relationship of trust is built, the mother or father or other family member asks if the loved one would like to hear about something that could maybe help him achieve that goal and get relief from their distress.
What happens is, the goal is not to convince the loved one he's sick, but to get him into treatment. Amador's brother, Henry [Enrique] never once believed he needed the meds; however, after years of non-compliance, Amdor convinced Henry it would be a good thing to take the drug and stay in treatment, and Henry did.
Just a suggestion.
Regards,
cb
replyre: Suggestion
Chris
Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 02:26 AMHi Christina,
Thanks for your post. The title of the book was why I used the words as title in my Sharepost!, as you have said it is one of the features of p sz, making it so difficult to access help.
Think it may have been thanks to searching this site I got the book reccomendatioin. when we first realised / accepted fully the likely root diagnosis of our son's struggles, say 4 to 6 weeks ago.
Ordered that book and others on line.
'when the Voices stopped ' Ken Steele's story and
'The Centre cannot hold, a memoir of my sz',by Elyn R Saks, both amazing and enriching books.
Hopefully we are now better able to listen and reflect back appropriately,having more insight into his view of the world.
We certainly can 'feel better', a strange relief, because we know we are just 'doing our best' for him, and can't do more. Wishful thinking never helps..it tends to false expectations and pressures. It is early days.
Chris
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Chris, I applaud your efforts to help your son. The mere fact you are willing to listen and try to help is inspiring. Your support is the best thing you can do for him. I know what it's like to be " not sick." When my first voices and delusions popped into my life, I thought there was nothing wrong. It wasn't until I became physically ill that I realized I needed help. My heart goes out to you and especially to your son. This illness is controllable. It is hard to accept the fact there's something wrong. Be strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. Please keep us posted.
your friend,
Dave
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