NSBR: Medical/Question?

[jocelinsmommy]

after long thought i'm posting this because I want to know if anyone has a family member or is close with someone who has schitzophrenia. I ask because my brother whose 20 has just been diagnosed and I need a "friend" so to speak who understands this. I feel sadden, frustrated, sick to my stomach and all around at a loss. I know the obvious things that need to be done like staying on meds etc. but could really use a friend...and input.
-Laura

 

[meganmecrazy]

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your brother's diagnosis. ((((HUGS))))

My great aunt has it (she was diagnosed at 19 years old) and has been on meds ever since. I take care of her 85% of the time and she stays overnight at my house a couple times a week. She lives with her sister (has all her life) and their house is just a few blocks away from our house.

 

[chloe]

Sorry about your brother diagnosis too.

A cousin of mine has it, he was diagnosed at a pretty early age (around 15 or 16, I think), but he lives in Brazil and me in France, so I don't know how life is on a daily basis. I know it doesn't help you much, but I just wanted you to feel less alone... ((((hugs))))

 

[dgreenshield]

Hi there,
This was a topic in one of my classes this past week, hang in there. There are several support groups for families and patients, try to find one if your brothers Dr. does not recommend one for you all. Patients with Schizophrenia can manage the disease, there are some who lead pretty normal lives once the medication is managed. I have a member of the family (extended) who has had the disorder for 20+ years and you would not know it if you were to meet her.
The biggest thing for your family is support and understanding. Hang in there!

 

[lauren grier]

just wanted to offer you a big ((hug)) a guy i was engaged to when I was 18-19 finally was diagnosed with it recently (obviously he was always struggling with the disease we just didn't know what was going on). I don't have a lot of personal words of wisdom or advice as it's been a long time since I was in the situation and he wasn't managing his disease at all.. but I just wanted to give you a little "I'm in your corner" type supportive hug.

 

[DawnMarch]

My SIL has it and has since she was a teen. I know it has been a long struggle for her and it has been a challenge at times for her to stay on her medications. She has lived on her own at times but now lives with my MIL. Fortunately, the new medications are SOOOOO much better than the ones she started out with. Since I only see my husband's family about once a year, I'm don't know enough about it to really be of much help, but if you ever have any specific questions you want me to ask my DH or my SIL, I'd be happy to help. ((Hugs!)).