Hi Ocean,

There is always hope but it's an undeniable fact that living with paranoid schizophrenia (sufferer or relative) is not easy. I'm interested however in the fact that you talk about 'mood swings'. Is your husband actually diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia or are you describing a feature of his behavior? Mood swings can certainly occur within schizophrenia but they are associated with other disorders too.

That aside, it sounds like your husband is either not on treatment or his treatment isn't at a therapeutic level. I do sympathise with your situation and it really isn't for anyone here to say what you should do with your life in order to cope. However, if you can get your husband to see the doctor, or if you can enlist the helo of a family member or perhaps a health professional you already have connections with, this might be the first step in trying to resolve the situation.

Best Wishes

Hi Ocean,

Jerry, one of the experts here, has already given you the best advice.  I will refrain from telling you what I would do because I have a zero tolerance for violence.

Like Jerry said, mood swings could be a symptom of other illnesses, such as bipolar.

It is interesting that you have written in with a scenario similar to another woman who posted in the last two weeks.  I have been much gentler in my response with you than I was with her.  My question to you that I also asked her is that you have the right to set guidelines for how you expect to be treated if you will consider staying in the relationship.  Your boyfriend, just like the other guy, and just like anyone, needs to realize that his actions have consequences.  You need to set boundaries.  In a calm moment you could sit down with him and let him know that his behavior is unacceptable and tell him what you need from him.

You have needs.  It is up to you whether you stay or leave and it is also possible that leaving temporarily is an option.  You have the right to expect that he is working on his issues and committed to staying in treatment.  Right now it does not appear he is.

I would tell any woman in a similar situation and I will tell you now that you are strong and capable of standing on your own if necessary or standing up to him if you stay.

Lastly, if you feel you are in danger, you can make the case that he be admitted to a psych hospital, as the criteria for admittance is that a person is a danger to himself or someone else.

Regards,

Christina