How Can I Help a Loved One Who is Unwilling to Seek Treatment?

i have schizophrenia and i was in denial for a long time.  i was really out of control for a while.  i did not want to take medication or get help from anyone.  i didn't think anything was wrong with me.  to get me into a hospital my dad served me with a mental health warrent.  the police came and took me to a hospital to get checked out.  after that point i came to the realization that there was something wrong with me.  i hope this comment helps.

Taylor:

 

My story is very similar.  I did not get treatment for my bipolar disorder (with psychotic features) for a number of years after my initial "break."

 

It was only when my behaviour became so bizarre that I not only attracted the attention of police and was deemed "dangerous" enough to meet the state's commitment critieria that I got help (and onto the path of getting better).

 

The devil is that in most state you have to an immenditate physivial danger to yourself or others before that can happen.  Just being sick, irrational and unable to make cometent decisions about your treatment isn't enough.

Unfortunatelly,she does NOT realise that she is sick.The illness has completely taken over over her mind.The rational part is not functioning.Mental illnesses do take over your mind.I was '3-0-2'd' twice before I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.In other words,taken to hospital against my will.My Mum saved my life by having this done.It was extreme,but it had to be done.I was 30 years old at the time.I am now 44,and coping well with the illnesses.You HAVE to be 100% educated about the health problems and take your meds.I wish you luck.She CAN get help.

I have a close friend who was diagnosed several years ago with this disease.  She was hospitalized twice and is now taking her medication as prescribed and not having any of her former symptoms.  She refused and still will not go for counselling which she needs and she refuses to do anything in her life.  She blames her lack of interest in life on this disease.  Should the medication be helping her to live a normal life??  She tends to want to blame everything on "this desease".  She will not cook, read, etc or do any of the things she was so good at before her attack.  She just wants to sit and watch TV or talk on the telephone all day about nothing of interest.

 

What should I do since she calls me every day and more than once per day.  I finally let the phone just ring because I have a business to run but it is starting to get on my nerves and those of other family members. 

 

Once in the past I tried to reason with her about something and she would not speak to me for a year.

 

I am baffled?  Help