Just found out today... My step daughter... what next?

Our daughter was just diagnosed today… its really been a difficult year already and she refuses to accept there is anything wrong…

Not sure what to expect except I guess more of the same but it really causes a tension filled house and I’m looking of ideas to maintain civility in our lives.

I don’t expect there to be a silver bullet answer but feedback and comments are encouraged. Thx.

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Hi Denwll
I am so sorry you daughter got the diagnosis My best advise to you is to contact your local Nami group and get into the family to family class. it explains a lot and helps you to get resources. How old is your daughter?

There is a lot of hope most people are well treated on medication. Apply for SI and SSI. And take care of yourself. This isn’t the end of the world. My son did very well for a long time.

The people here are really great

God Bless

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Its not early - but learn as much as you can and leverage the resources available in your area as much as possible. Here are some places to start:

Follow our News forum:

Read about First Aid for Psychosis:
http://www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/archives/005561.html

Review our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

CHeck out these sites:

http://www.leapinstitute.org/5 - under resources are free videos on using LEAP
LEAP is a way of communicating to build trust. Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner.
http://dramador.com/1 - Dr. Xavier Amador is a clinical psychologist whose brother had schizophrenia. He is the founder of the LEAP Institute. Wrote the book: I’m Not Sick I Don’t Need Help! Can buy from his website.
Search Xavier Amador and LEAP on youtube.com and you should find some long videos
Treatment Advocacy Center - under problems you will see anosognosia
Anosognosia looks like denial but is different.
Bayes for Schizophrenics: Reasoning in Delusional Disorders - LessWrong - helped my understand delusions

http://www.nami.org/ - National Alliance on Mental Illness. A good support group in the US
http://www.schizophrenia.ca/ - Schizophrenia Society of Canada - a good support group in Canada

You might want to check out the early psychosis treatment centers - these are typically the best places to get treatment and they are usually free:

http://forum.schizophrenia.com/t/early-psychosis-treatment-centers-how-to-get-great-help-for-free/12743

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Please look at these sites:
http://www.leapinstitute.org/5 - under resources are free videos on using LEAP
LEAP is a way of communicating to build trust. Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner.
http://dramador.com/1 - Dr. Xavier Amador is a clinical psychologist whose brother had schizophrenia. He is the founder of the LEAP Institute. Wrote the book: I’m Not Sick I Don’t Need Help! Can buy from his website.
Search Xavier Amador and LEAP on youtube.com and you should find some long videos
Treatment Advocacy Center - under problems you will see anosognosia
Anosognosia looks like denial but is different.
Bayes for Schizophrenics: Reasoning in Delusional Disorders - LessWrong - helped my understand delusions
http://www.nami.org/ - National Alliance on Mental Illness.
http://www.schizophrenia.ca/ - Schizophrenia Society of Canada
Can also find some very useful information here:
http://schizophrenia.com/

(from BarbieBF)

.

Hello,

Hearing the diagnosis can be very difficult. I almost feel as though a grieving process takes place, and returns periodically, for the person you used to know. I have taken the NAMI twelve week course…twice. The class is a great resource, but most importantly, you will realize that you are not even close to being alone.

Reading these forums can be very helpful. Each situation is different, but having various perspectives can help in the decision-making process.

My son is almost twenty, and has no insight, same as your stepdaughter. Very difficult.
Don’t lose yourself in this. If you are not of a healthy frame of mind, you will not be much help to her. Easier said than done, but it’s true.

The fact that you’re here speaks volumes. Hang in there…

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