Is there really any way to help a schizophrenic person without getting deeply in!


Question: I have a friend who I have strategically spent the past few years removing from my life. And I really don't care to refriend them any time soon. The reasons I stopped being their friend was their menal health. Not that I am that cold, I did try but this person refused to seek medical help, or even admit they have a problem.

But now she has gotten so much worse. I had a run in this week at a mutual friend's house. While she was diving under the coffee table to avoid her suspected gun fire that she claims her family is responsable for. Thinking that her family hired a hit man to take her out is a step up in the usual paranoia. And spouting non stop conspiracy theory. She thinks that she is a target for gov't snipers as well.

Now this isn't as cut and dry as I am putting it. I also suspect she has a cocaine addiction as well, for a few years now. But how can I urge this sort of person into the right direction without getting sucked into her delusional life?


Answers: I have a friend who I have strategically spent the past few years removing from my life. And I really don't care to refriend them any time soon. The reasons I stopped being their friend was their menal health. Not that I am that cold, I did try but this person refused to seek medical help, or even admit they have a problem.

But now she has gotten so much worse. I had a run in this week at a mutual friend's house. While she was diving under the coffee table to avoid her suspected gun fire that she claims her family is responsable for. Thinking that her family hired a hit man to take her out is a step up in the usual paranoia. And spouting non stop conspiracy theory. She thinks that she is a target for gov't snipers as well.

Now this isn't as cut and dry as I am putting it. I also suspect she has a cocaine addiction as well, for a few years now. But how can I urge this sort of person into the right direction without getting sucked into her delusional life?

About half to sixty percent of schizophrenics suffer a symptom called lack of insight (anosognosia)

www.lackofinsightmi.org.

Until her symptoms become either self destructive or a danger to others there isn't a lot you can do to help her. If you are one of the lucky few that has an ACT team in your county (Aggressive Community Treatment team) there isn't a darn thing you can do to help her. If you decide to try and take a more active role with her, don't try to convince her there is something wrong with her because she will find a hundred reasons why you are wrong and will argue til the end of time there is nothing wrong with her. Instead, listen to her needs and try to address them. If she is sleepy, tell her there is a bed in the back, if she is hungry get her some food, if she is confused listen quietly to her concerns. Be supportive when you have contact with her. She may eventually come to trust you and ask your advice. Even if that happy event occurs you still have to tread lightly about the subject of getting help for her condition. Ask if she has ever contacted anyone at mental health to see if they might be able to help her. Never question her sanity to her face, because you will then become one of the bad people.
The problem with the current system is that unless someone voluntarily signs themselves in to mental health their loved ones' hands are tied. We see them descend further and further into insanity and we are helpless to do anything to help because of well intentioned but stupid laws regarding the "free will" of stricken loved ones. Anosognosia makes it impossible for them to see the problem yet we are barred from forcing them into treatment that could help them become stable. It is a vicious cycle.
If I were you, I would contact her nearest relative and relate your concerns. At least you would have tried to help, and if their loved ones decide to try and get help for her you can fill out a witness form stating your concerns and what you have seen her do that is indicative of mental illness. It is a small thing, but something that will be very helpful in assisting her to get treatment from county agencies if it has to be done involuntarily. Give her closest relative your name and number and tell them to call you so that you can fill out a witness form should it become necessary to force treatment.Good luck, I know it is difficult to stand idly by and watch her regress farther into mental illness without at least trying to help. It is easy to wash your hands of it and walk away, which you also have the option of doing. Those that would judge you for walking away from her have never had to deal with an unstable friend or loved one.

Only a recovered schizo can help her. But she needs a friend for sure . You can learn from her and research the archives in this section.

You said that you tried to help this person get medical help and they refused and would not admit they have a problem. Has that situation changed? If not, there is no point in further involvement.

It sounds like you have spent a lot of time distancing yourself already. Good on you for wanting to help but I suggest walking away completely. It sounds like you want too, don't feel guilty for somebody else's psych. issues no matter how close they are.

If you really think their problem is drug related and you want to get involved in their rehab. tell the police (anonomously if you want) Incarceration or institutionalisation will probably help them.

Good luck





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