I think my girlfriend is schizophrenic or something of the sort. We have been together for two years, plan to get married...the whole fairy tale. About a year ago she went into this whole falling into a government job story, wich as much as my mind questioned at first, i thought with my heart instead. Her stories were and still are so elaborate, not to mention her families past and her education, it was at least plausable. This "situation" is very real to her. She has been gone and we have been long distace seeing eachother only a couple of times and speratically spending hours on the phone together when she calls for a few months now, when we do see or talk it is just us and we are so real. I do now have reason to believe that she maybe with her ex-boyfriend and me at the same time, i know her heart and she could not consiously do that, all of our friends would tell you the same. I am worried that it may be something along the lines of a split personality... i wish so very much that i had listened to myself when the whole thing first came to be, but like i said before, i let love think for me. Last night on the phone, she said she tried to take her own life, we talked and i handeld the conversation as if she were anyone else that would have came to me with something like that as best as i could. All i know now, is that i have to help her, even if that means loosing our relationship. I love her more than i could put into words. Please, how do i help her?
Hello altigen,
You do not say why the relationship is long-distance now however the talk of suicide that you presented to us indicates to me that she needs help and most likely professional help that you can't give her. You can help her however she might need also to be on medication and you could offer to go with her to the doctor.
Although your paragraph was vague as to the symptoms she presented to you that is OK you don't have to go into them just be honest with yourself: if you have the strong pull to suspect schizophrenia she will need immediate treatment.
The sooner someone with schizophrenia gets medication and therapy, the better the outcome. Delaying treatment could result in increased disability in the long term.
Your love for her is a beautiful thing. See if there is a clinic or reputable mental health center in her city or town that she could go to possibly on a sliding fee scale if she doesn't have a lot of money.
Also you could call NAMI-the National Alliance on Mental Illness-in the US at (800) 950-NAMI (6264) and talk to someone on their hotline about how you could more specifically get her help.
I wish your girlfriend finds some comfort and peace of mind.
She's lucky to have you.
Best regards,
Christina Bruni
Hi altigen
It's not an easy thing suggesting to someone they may have a mental health issue. The things you describe might simply be the product of an over-active imagination rather than anything pathological. This doesn't make it easier for you to live and while I understand the temptation to diagnose, I think it's best to restrain yourself.
Your question is obviously limited by the constraints of the website. As Christina suggests there are quite a few things not revealed. For example, I'm wondering where your girlfriends familiy fits in this and why, if it is the case, you feel that you are shouldering the burden alone (maybe you aren't)?
That aside, it's very difficult to get someone to seek help if they don't wish to. If they are otherwise functioning in life and are not distressed (I note the issue on suicide) or distressing others then there is no cause.
Now, I don't want to be insensitive and I feel threats of suicide should be taken seriously, but I do want to ask you whether you feel the threat was real? I ask because of what you suggest about previous things she has said. Is it just possible that it was said to provoke a reaction in you? You clearly love your girl and you are doing what you can to support her but I feel you need to spread the load and get others involved. If you don't you are left with speculating as to what the real problem is and whether/how it might be resolved. Christina has already provided you with a contact. Are you in contact with her family or a relative you know she is close to?
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I am in vague contact with her brother. I am so scared after today, we were with each other for a few hours. That was great, for the most part, until she came across a text on my phone making a stupid comment to a friend about the possibility of her cheating on me.... it was nothing more than a mindless comment that i sent to a friend trying to make light of the situation. I meant nothing serious by it, but she took it as so much more, talking about breaking up, and how much that hurt her. My biggest fear is that this would drive her to try to hurt herself again, i couldn't possibly bear that. God i love her so much.