HELP!!!

Hi Jennifer, I think there are two sides to this. The first is your sister's behavior and the second is to do with you. In terms of your sister's behavior, my concern is the fact that it sounds like the situation has been going on for a while. This would suggest to me that her medication isn't at a therapeutic level and perhaps needs reviewing. If your sister isn't sleeping at night, does this mean she's sleeping during the day? If so the pattern of sleep needs reversing and maybe your doctor can help with this. If she isn't sleeping in the day, the disrupted sleep itself will have a poor effect on your sister's health. You are obviously frustrated, angry and probably exhausted. Not knowing your circumstances makes it a bit difficult to know what to suggest. I would say that if your sister's moods can be stabilized it will clearly be of benefit to you. If you have other people you can call on to give you a break, or be with you, use them. Maybe ask about respite care to give you a break. In any case, I think I would suggest talking to your doctor about the situation and maybe seek an evaluation of your sister's care. I do hope this situation works out for you.

Hi Beth. I have to agree with Christina as far as seing a doctor and being put on medication. I think that for many of us who have schizophrenia we can lead a prettyo normal life and some folks here like Robin and Christina are able to work fulltime. For me I have been living with a type of schizophrenia called schizoaffective disorder for over half of my life and can honestly say I am the most stable I have ever been. i have been hospitalized 5 times but the last time was in 1997. I do not work but stay busy by doing volunteer work and helping my parents as much as I can.

Let me close by saying please do yourself a favor and see a professional as soon as you can!

Hi Beth. I have to agree with Christina as far as seing a doctor and being put on medication. I think that for many of us who have schizophrenia we can lead a prettyo normal life and some folks here like Robin and Christina are able to work fulltime. For me I have been living with a type of schizophrenia called schizoaffective disorder for over half of my life and can honestly say I am the most stable I have ever been. i have been hospitalized 5 times but the last time was in 1997. I do not work but stay busy by doing volunteer work and helping my parents as much as I can.

Let me close by saying please do yourself a favor and see a professional as soon as you can!

I am so sorry if my answer left anyone confused. Please forgive my comments because I thought I was answering beth's question.If anyone knows how to delete my answer to Jennifer please do and again I am so sorry Jennifer. Please forgive me!

Dr. Kennard is right -- your sister's meds are not at a therapeutic level.  Are you involved in your sister's care?  I can understand your frustration.  It would be very difficult to live with someone else's emotional distress if it was unharnessed and running wild.  Your sister needs help.  Try to get her to her doctor's as soon as possible for medication evaluation.

 

Carolyn

Hi Jennifer

 

Two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be called into the doctors consultation room when my 80 year old mother who has lived with schizophrenia for 45 years was with her doctor.  I had never imagined the horror she goes through because of this illness. Like you I used to get angry with her when at times the medicine was not effective and she started doing funny things.

 

Imagine seeing people or monsters right infront of you wanting to kill you and you have to bang against doors and walls to run away from them. Or people making all sorts of terrifying noises in your head and you want them out. It's a terrible way to live knowing that every night when others go to bed, you have to fight demons. Your sister also also wants reprieve from this torment and she wants a normal life just like you but her illness has no mercy and does not give her the relief she yearns.

 

So I appeal to you, just like the good doctor has said, get your sister help first because she cant help herself. You can help yourself cos you are normal and can articulate your frustrations and worries. She suffers in silence as most SZ people do. Once you have her sorted out, your life will be back to normal too and you will enjoy each other's company.  Make time for yourself in the meantime and take 30minutes a day to walk somewhere or sit alone in a park to revitalise yourself. Good luck dear.