i Haven’t posted in a while but just need to share what’s been going on with a group that gets it. I often don’t express or share what’s going on in my life with my sister because people not familiar with this disorder don’t really understand the magnitude or gravity of trying to care for someone who suffers with SZ. My sister over the past year has regressed tremendously. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve called the crisis unit, jumped on a plane and had her involuntary committed, reached out to agencies, talked to hospital staff and the list goes on. But my hands are tied. After each hospitalization, they release her back home to live by herself. I understand that their hands are tied too because of the laws, person’s rights and a screwed up healthcare payment system when you’re not on Medicaid. Anyway, after this last hospitalization release, my sister once again was released back home and it’s just a mess. She no longer wants anything to do with me, her debit card doesn’t work so she has no access to money, the neighbor phoned and said that she tried to go to the corner store for food but she’s lost so much weight her pants came completely down and she was wearing no underwear. She didn’t even care. Now she won’t leave the home at all so I have food delivered via Instacart so that she doesn’t starve but I have no idea what the condition of the home is. There often is a rodent problem because it’s in the city. I know that she’s super paranoid and she won’t let anyone in. I’ve called protective services and they said that because she refuses to open the door there’s nothing that they can do. So once again, another roadblock for getting her help. I’m not on any of her legal documents so I can’t even fix her debit card issue so that she can get food. Contacted an attorney and they said that they cannot guarantee that I’ll get approval for a guardianship with the new laws. Am I the only one that understands the magnitude of this issue? I just don’t get it but I’ll continue to fight and try to get her help. But how do you help someone that doesn’t want your help? Just needed to get this off my chest.
It sounds like you are doing the best you can do. I think you should continue your efforts and hope that she eventually responds to you. You also need to take care of yourself. Lunch/dinner with friends or family during which there is a “no talk about sister” time? I know the worry is immense and I’m glad you’re reaching out to our group.
Sad that people with Schizophrenia are so troubled, paranoid and it is not their fault. Unfortunately most go off their meds because of the side effects. And the madness starts again.
My son off meds AGAIN and admitted to Psych hospital. In denial, and will be mandated to go back on his once a month shot, Invega.
What does the meds do to them, that 78% go off???
God take care of you and your sister.
Weight gain is a big complaint, sedation, might cause cognitive issues. Right off the top of my head.
If you want to know more, type, “Reasons schizophrenics go off their prescribed medication “ into ChatGPT.
I’m so sorry to hear she is in a declining state.
You are doing everything you can that’s in your control.
It’s very hard to not be completely consumed by the situation schizophrenia puts our loved ones in .
And how madding the laws are that seem to protect the disease. It’s a very hard place to be in . I feel this to my core as a sibling.
I’m sorry she’s gone silent with you that’s a very hard place to be in because sometimes not knowing what’s going on in their head is worse than knowing.
Please continue to turn in for self care especially during times like these when much of your time and focus is spent on your sister and the disease.
You’re doing what’s in your control like sending the instacart and researching and advocating right now.
One thought that comes to mind is have you looked into State guardianship for her where it would be the state caretaking and not you?
It is something that I have thought about for my own sibling when he has been in really bad shape.
Thank you for sharing this
Thank you. I’m going to look into the state guardianship.