i need help understanding schizophrenia?

BlueinKentucky:

With respect to learning more about schizophrenia, I recommend two things.

First, if there is a local NAMI chapter near you, I recommend that you sign up for a course they offer designed speciffically for the family members and friends of individuals that have a mental illness.  It's called Family to Family.  You can locate the local NAMI chapter nearst to you by signing on to www.NAMI.org.

Second I recommend that you read Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, Consumers, and Providers by E. Fuller Torrey, M.D,  I think you can get the book through the NAMI online book store, and if not there, then at Amazon.com.

As far as your concern regarding the possibility of your husband endangering (not only his own health, but) your health by sexual incounters with others, I recommend that you protect yourself first and foremost.

Please contact us again if you any additional questions.

Robin Cunningham

Hello blueinkentucky,

I understand your concern.

Robin spoke about contacting NAMI.

I will refer to your other question.

It is without a doubt an issue of trust that your husband has offered to meet the women he searches on the sex sites.

This has nothing to do with whether he has schizophrenia.

Some married couples are OK having what's called an "open marriage" whereby one or both partners have extramarital sex.

It doesn't sound like you are willing to have an open marriage, though.

You have the right to talk with your husband and tell him how his behavior is affecting you and that you want and expect him to change.

If somehow his behavior is related to the schizophrenia, contacting NAMI and also to see about a family support group as well as Family-to-Family is a great idea.

He may have an illness; however, acting out is not acceptable.

Please be patient as you work through what is going on.

You do not have to accept this behavior.

Call your local NAMI affiliate as soon as you can.

Regards,

Chris

I have dated a man for a year with paronoid schizphrenia. We were very serious and talked marriage alot and all of a sudden he started thinking I was trying to poision him and hurt him. He never would talk seriously during our relationship about what he had going on with him so I do not know if he took or ever takes medication. He told me he was trying to believe I was not the one trying to hurt him and he told me my life was in danger and we had to take a break from our relationship and it could be days weeks or years. He is still working at his job but that is all I know. He has called me maybe 6 times in 6 months since this came to a head. He is 39 years old. Does he remember me and our relationship? Does he have track of time.? He has acted bizzare on half the phone calls and the most recent very much like his self but has not called regularly like he said he would.