(just to clarify, I will be referring to my cousin with singular they/them pronouns because that’s what they prefer)
My cousin was diagnosed with schizophrenia fairly young (later teens), and they frequently experienced delusions. For the past few years, they’ve believed that a video game character is real and in love with them. For convenience’s sake, I’ll refer to the character as K.
My cousin says that K is possessive and, when things get bad/worse, K doesn’t want them to talk to me. I don’t try to pressure them into talking or reality-check. To put things into perspective, I am also mentally ill and we have bonded over this, but I don’t have schizophrenia. My cousin and I became very close over the pandemic.
When they began withdrawing again a year and a half ago, I didn’t think it was any different. Usually they’d be back in a few weeks or months. It’s been a year and a half and I haven’t heard anything from them. Once a month, I let them know I hope they’re doing okay, a little summary of how things are going for me, a picture of my guinea pigs, and wish them well. They live in a different state, so social media is my only way of communicating with them.
I’m worried about them, but I know I shouldn’t be bugging them about that. I confided this to the high school psychologist when my cousin was institutionalized for trying to off themself, but I was crying too much to really have a conversation with her.
I just want to be sure I’m not doing something wrong. I’ve been trying to learn more about schizophrenia for the past few years, but obviously I will never 100% understand their experiences. Is there anything else I can do to show I’m a safe person?