how do you tell someone with schizophrenia their delusion is not real

@Appleblossom hey Apple and thank you. i am tired of dealing with this. i cant do it anymore. something needs to be done. love you. bunxx

I don't know the delusion and I haven't had any experience with delusions, but that being said... @Bunniekins

I have a question for you...

Do you tell him? Or is it possible, in some way to show him? It's harder to refute evidence than it is to argue against someone else's word. Maybe his brain needs to see evidence that what he believes to be true, isn't actually the case.

@NightFury hi NightFury i could do that jesus that would be a harsh tactic and he infact is finding that out now in real life with certain aspects of his delusion. basically his delusion is there is an evil alien species which wants to destroy his friends on another planet so he wants to build weapons to protect them and his family. he has drawn up tons of weapons in the form of guns that he wants to build he collects bits and pieces to form into these weapons. it really is quite mad tbh.

Does it have to be harsh though? @Bunniekins

Could you show him little things that plant seeds of doubt? Gently and slowly?

I imagine it could be quite shattering and challenging to hear that what you believe to be true, isn't actually the case, so is there a way of doing it gently?

It sounds like you're doing the right things in a very tough situation. Well done on seeking support to help you and him through this.

@Bunniekins I actually said very quietly last night to my son that I could not cope with another manic episode. It was said with weariness and love and fear for him and I. He could tell that it was real and it seemed to matter.

@NightFury ‘S suggestions to take it gradually is wise.

Finding your way with your truth and love seems the only way forward. Don’t give any more energy to supporting delusions. He may feel upset if he feels you have been lying to placate him. Find a way to express the impossible difficulty you have been struggling to keep connected with him through thick and thin and maybe you agreed too much.

The internet is full of places to reinforce delusional thinking and is a big reason I am not fond of it.

Because my whole life has been dominated by various people with schizophrenia I am careful and analytical and particular about it and any so called delusions. I don’t actually jump to conclusions about delusions and also have not seen the doctors have all the answers.

My understanding is that delusions emerge to help protect the person from a sense of threat. Your son’s consequent obsessions are designed to be protective of him and his people. Letting go of the delusions will not be easy for him, but he may be able to handle it if he can have some dignity and respect for the reasons they occurred. Eg., Him being a vulnerable boy growing into manhood in a difficult world. He may have been ridiculed in the supported living and he may be starting to reality check. Give him some dignity, but not indulge things you don’t believe to be true. Give space for different opinions and gently put your self protective boundaries up. It might also help him learn how to put up his own boundaries eventually without resorting to excessive bravado and imagination.

love you too

🍎

@NightFury thank you NightFury for your advice rest be assured i am not going to do anything until i have spoken to his psychologist first. i dont want to f this up with his fragile mind.

@Appleblossom hey Apple thank you for your sound advice. i think deep down i want him to be as "normal" as possible to be able to cope with a very confusing and to him a scary world. above all i love my son and want what is best for him. so i will wait till all the professionals have their say before i do or say anything with this problem. thanks again Apple xxxx