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Struggling with doing this all on my own

SuziContributor27 Nov 2014, 10:08 pm AEDT

Struggling with doing this all on my own

Hi my son was diagnosed with schizophrenia 14 years ago. He lives with me and always takes his medication but often has periods of paranoia where he believes the neighbours are constantly talking about him, people are posting nasty comments via computer games etc. and during these times he demands I make them stop. His personal care gets worse around these times and he starts drinking. He will not go to a psychiatrist but we have a very good family doctor who supports us both. I am really struggling with his illness at the moment and with the lack of any sort of support. I am very worried about what will happen to him in the future. Guess I really need to see how others manage being a long time carer for someone with this awful condition and what the do to stop themselves from losing it. I also work full time and have an elderly mother I help care for . Thanks

15 replies

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In response to: Struggling with doing this all on my own

SuziContributor15 Mar 2015, 3:49 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

It's been a tough 24 hous folks, why does it always occur at night or when there is no support available unless you want to involve the police or ambulance. I hate what this illness does to my son

In response to: Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

coffeegirlSenior Contributor15 Mar 2015, 6:09 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

Hi @Suzi

I'm sorry to read you've had a tough night. Did you want to tell us a bit about it.

We're here if you need us.

Hopefully you're finding a way to recharge.

In response to: Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

PeppiPattySenior Contributor15 Mar 2015, 9:40 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

Dear @suzi,

It sounds like you can maybe call your member of parliament for your suburb? ? Tell them on the phone your burnt out.

Hacc is who I have in and last week, I could barely talk from my own stresses and she came in and just cleaned and scrubbed down my kitchen and loungeroom. I so so appreciate her.

In response to: Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

annie1268Contributor15 Mar 2015, 10:25 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

im with you there Suzi. its a very alone job that we do, even when there are a professionals around i find it just me to cope, they have no idea the emotions that go throught a parent in the crisis void. this week my daughter was found unconsious and where the ambulance had taken her to,once stable all the people around my telling me what she should do how she should do it care plans ...after 8 hours and heart rate down thinking a little clearer "oh you can take her home now" home to her is a partner who does not have a clue what to do till it hits the fan and then calls me, he stays home and i run the guantlet be it a day or 3 everyone elses life just plods along while mine gets but through the wringer. i have a family who are quite absent when i need them but feel they can always put their 2 bobs worth in after the event. i have recently been introduced to MIF MentalHealth Fellowship and have met some other people in the same boat as us and am just learning i can reach out to them , but its not something we do at unsociable hours,,, i hope you find some local support

In response to: Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

Shaz51Senior Contributor23 Nov 2016, 12:30 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling with doing this all on my own

Hello @annie1268, @PeppiPatty, @coffeegirl, @JT, @Suzi

I saw this tread this morning and i have been wondering how you are today

hope everything is ok

love to hear from you xx

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