when they are in denial ,how to get them help
My daughter is 39 and for the past 8 or more years has suffered with a mental illness.The background on her is so complex..She lost memory and the delusions become more frequent,she is in denial of a problem..We don't know how to get her to go for help..
Her health is suffering and I am afraid of losing her completely..after viewing the statements of the doctor with paranoid schizoprenia,she looks like his bio..Except for the lack of real memory,sher does not recognize us as her mom and Dad even..
She is a twin and they were the love of our life..So beautiful and talented..Shes a dancer and acrobatic that doesn"t dance anymore,shes a daughter that I don"t have anymore,shes the best friend that I lost..I miss her...Mom
Hello elaine 61,
As you feel, I feel for you.
The one thing I recommend is that you read the Xavier Amador book, I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help. Develop a relationship of trust with her if that is all possible, and when you feel you have her trust, use Amador's technique of motivational interviewing to find out what she wants in life. When the time feels right, ask her if she would be open to hearing from you an idea about how she could achieve some of the things she wants. Then suggest treatment and medication, and that you will take her to a professional and stand by her.
A lot of times I recommend the Xavier Amador book, yet I feel in your situation I want to go beyond this stock reply, because as you know, it won't be easy to get her help if she doesn't think she has a problem. Anosognosia, or that lack of awareness that sshe has an illness, is a symptom of the schizophrenia and affects up to 50 percent of the people living with this medical condition.
The reality is, most hospitals won't admit her unless she's a danger to herself or someone else. It may be hard to believe that using the techniques outlined in Amador's book could help, yet I suggest you keep an open mind and at least read the book, because you have time to read the 2007 edition, the updated edition. Her illness didn't appear out of the blue, and it won't get easier, quickly, so you have the time to read the book and consider if what he suggests makes sense in your case.
My mother, too, was distraught when I got sick. It took every ounce of courage she had to drive me to the hospital, and every time she visited me in the ward, she left and went home sick to her stomach. It is never easy to watch this happen to your daughter.
Be patient, and know that if her health deteriorates to the point where she can't take care of herself, a group home or forced hospitalization could be the way to go.
I suggest calling the local reputable psych hospital and asking them whether she could be forced into the hospital right now. You may not get the answer you want to hear, so tell them you're at the end of your rope and want to secure her future.
I wish you to have some comfort and peace of mind in this very difficult time.
My thoughts are with you and your daughter.
Regards,
cb
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