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Help for my son - Schizophrenia

Maree1712Casual Contributor09 Sept 2025, 8:10 pm AEST

Help for my son - Schizophrenia

My son (33) has been un-medicated for 8 months and is deteriorating. Past 12 years on/off meds.

Last year he chose for the first time to go on meds himself, the others times we had to call for medical help.

I have been hoping he would choose to go back on them again, and have been encouraging and offering every support possible. I am well educated and experienced in this condition and try my best to give him his independence and support him on and off the meds. We have put him into his own home a few months ago and he is very happy being independent but I have seen a slow decline.

He has unfortunately reverted to alcohol, is not eating well, his self care is lacking and he is very disconnected and unable to have a short conversation. I asked for medical help from the acute team a few days ago. They were trying to reach him via phone first (unsuccessful) and when I visited him him asked why I have called them and made it very clear that he does not want them again. He also said how can I do this to him. He was very clear and logical so I felt I had to respect him and I called the acute team (whom are familiar with our families situation) and asked them to hold off. Tonight I called in to check on him and I am very concerned. He is not doing very well at all. I have a beautiful relationship with him and I feel like I am betraying him by intervening. Breaking my heart seeing him so unwell yet feeling guilty for intervening. Please if anyone has lived experience I would appreciate your opinion.

4 replies

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In response to: Help for my son - Schizophrenia

calicocatsModerator09 Sept 2025, 11:25 pm AEST

Re: Help for my son - Schizophrenia

Hey there @Maree1712

Welcome to the forums!

It's great that you've reached out tonight for some support and understanding around what sounds like a really difficult situation. I can hear the valid concerns you have for your son whose health seems to be deteriorating, and it sounds like you're doing the right things to encourage him to get support, and reaching out to the acute team. At the same time, it's understandable that you're feeling torn when he's made his boundaries and decision to not reach out clear.

While I don't have the lived experience, I want to reassure you that you're not alone in this, and I'm sure there are other members who will be able to offer the support and advice you're seeking tonight. Please know however that you've been doing the right things to reach out for medical help for him, and if you ever feel that he's unsafe, please don't hesitate to call 000.

The community is here for you tonight.

- calicocats 🐈

In response to: Re: Help for my son - Schizophrenia

Maree1712Casual Contributor09 Sept 2025, 11:40 pm AEST

Re: Help for my son - Schizophrenia

Thank you for your support and kind words. Hopefully those with lived experience can give me some information and it can help me gain some clarity on what to do . 🙏

In response to: Help for my son - Schizophrenia

Eden1919Senior Contributor10 Sept 2025, 9:57 pm AEST

Re: Help for my son - Schizophrenia

@Maree1712 hi i have schizoaffective disorder so similar issue but i would hold off on calling the crisis team on him unless he is a danger to himself or others because even though he may not be doing well it is important to respect his boundaries instead i would try and encourage him to speak to his GP or whoever is usually managing his care in the community. meds are a difficult topic and they often come with unbearable side effects making it hard for people to want to take them even if it makes them better in some ways so it can be a complicated conversation.

In response to: Re: Help for my son - Schizophrenia

Maree1712Casual Contributor10 Sept 2025, 11:30 pm AEST

Re: Help for my son - Schizophrenia

Thank you kindly for your reply and sharing with me. I do feel more comfortable respecting his boundaries and also dislike and worry about the side effects for him. This morning my son actually came to me and asked for help so I am pleased to share that we have had a good outcome today. A few tears but lots of cuddles and he is feeling much better tonight.

I hope all is well for you today and that you are also always respected and supported 🙏

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