Hello, all, once again. Many thanks go out to those of you who have taken the time to read my posts. It seems that support is easier found here than in my personal life, unfortuntely. Anyway, on to my story.
A long time ago, probably around 2-3 years ago, I'd left my parent's house for a couple of days to spend the night at my cousin's house. I think I left because my parents were fighting and I didn't want to be around them.
I came home shortly after. After my step dad left the house to pick up some things from the store, I walked into the kitchen where my mom sat at the table. I could tell something was bothering her, despite the fact that she doesn't like to share such things with anyone.
I joined her at the table and asked her what was bothering her. She looked at me and said, "The voices were really bad yesterday." (Yesterday being the day/night I stayed at my cousin's place.)
I wasn't really sure how to respond, but I felt bad. I told her she should've called me, and the discussion soon ended.
It frustrates me that I'm the only one that my mom can talk to about this. Her first husband forced her off of her meds (I think she said she was taking Trazopam and Mellaril, not sure of the spelling, sorry). Years later, she met the man that she is now married to, and he doesn't give her support during rough periods because he doesn't believe that Schizophrenia exists. He thinks that she's making everything up. It worries me that I am no longer able to be there by her side because now I'm 3500 miles away. It's a shame that she should be treated like this, and I think more people should educate themselves on the disease, especially when living with a Schizophrenic.
Ironically, I know find myself turning to her with my uncertainties as I go through what could be symptoms (I say could because I've not been seen by a doctor for tests yet) of the disease.
My question is about psychosises. I was reading up on Prodome information and stumbled upon some information, but not all of my questions were answered.
1.Psychosises are the points in time where a person experiences such things as dilusions/hallucinations, right?
2.Is it uncommon for a Psychotic episode to last for several days to a week, or even longer?
3.In untreated indeviduals, is it possible for hallucinations (hearing voices) to persist indefinately?
Thanks.
-Rain
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A story, some frustrations, and a few questions
7/ 1/09 3:53pm
I feel for you. For years, my family did not seem interested in my symptoms or what I was going through. All of them except Mom, that is. Gradually she asked more and more questions till she had a good idea of what was happening and why I had to be hospitalized at times. It means so much to have someone who listens. Even going to a web-site for persons diagnosed with sz is helpful. Especially this site. I have tried others that were not as helpful.
I came to understand, however, that some of my siblings' reluctance to talk about sz was because of misinformation from the media and the fact that it was difficult for me to find words to describe what was going on in my head.
For me, a psychotic episode is one where my thoughts race, my anxiety is severe, I hear voices and may become somewhat unresponsive. I also have other perceptual problems, such as seeing the Devil and demons on the ceiling, and having trouble figuring out where I am (whether at home or out somewhere.) But as long as I take Zyprexa as antidepressants as prescribed, I really have few problems. But it took a while to find the right antipsychotic and to commit to taking it.
It is wonderful that you are willing to listen to your mother. If you suspect you are having symptoms of sz, it is best to find a psychiatrist immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Carolyn
7/ 1/09 11:17pm
Hello Rain,
Psychosis can be life-long if the person doesn't get treated with SZ meds. As I've said, the quicker someone with SZ gets into treatment, the better the outcome. You may want to go up into the search bar at the top right of this page and type in Mary Ann Bruni or maybe just Mary Ann to read the interview I did with my mother, who drove me to the hospital within 24 hrs of my breakdown. If it weren't for her, I think I'd be dead or living an unfortunate life full of symptoms and hell.
Now, I'v forgotten your second question so I'm going to post this reply, re-read your SharePost, and answer the second question in another comment. [My short-term memory is non-existent.}
Regards,
Christina
7/ 1/09 11:19pm
Hi Rain,
Voices can continue forever until you die unless you get into treatment. Even with SZ meds, some people have residual symptoms, such as occasional voices. Yet for a lot of people with SZ, once they take the meds, the voices stop. Again, the key is to get into treatment right away to minimize or halt the lingering effects of psychosis.
Regards,
Christina
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Hello Rain. I want to answer your questions. First let me say I am not a professional, and the answers are how I see my own SZA.
Psychosis is where I was delusional and paranoid. I have only been extremely psychotic twice. Both times many years ago. My first episode of psychosis lasted about 3 months. My second lasted 4 days. The difference is how fast I got help.
Your question about how long voices last, varies, since people are different. I have heard voices for 29 years. I have learned to cope with them and I live a fairly good life. There are some people that have heard voices and meds have stopped them.
I hope you find answers too. Your questions are good ones.
Dave