Mental Health - NEW

Tom,

I am so sad to hear about your library! I can imagine how hard that was for you because it would also be hard for me. Right now most of my books are packed and this house feels a bit empty without them. Yet, I still have four bookshelves full! LOL! I have actually considered writing a book on the problems of Cartesian duality in the modern era. This is how far I've gotten: I bought a Latin to English dictionary and a Latin work book to brush up on it so that I can do my own translation. Oy. Someday, maybe.

I'm glad we have continued to converse, too. I get having bad days.

Liesl

Alex,

Thank you so much for sharing your story and WELCOME to Disaboom....I work with adolescents-many just beginning their journey with severe menal illness- and your words bring me hope! Sometimes it's hard that I see them during their darkest days only (when they are hospitalized/inpatient) but I know that many will go on to do great things:-) I can't put into words how glad I am that you've joined us and hope you will stay! If you need anything or have questions, please don't hesitate to let me know.

~Kara

Thank you. It is really nice to feel comfortable talking openly about the issue one the world wide web. Its a very rare opportunity that I can feel comfortable talking to people about my mental health who I don't know very well. Kara, I think it is very interesting that you work with disabeld adoleents. Please tell us more about what you do for a living. Thanks.

It feels like I can relate with everybody's stories, both the less traumatic and more traumatic.. one of my counselors in the past said that it is important to compare oneself to others. This is not for the purouse being snobby, picky, or arrogant. Yet she said it was important to compare because in for those who are doing better off we can gain hope. For those who are not doing as well it creates a feeling of accomplishment that the person has progressed from such a state. With that, complaring peeople to others can help create an environement where more unity can grow.

 Hi Everyone..when my 26 yr old son was 12 he was diagnosed as ParanoidSchizophenic. Last April I had to have been hospitalized via court order.  It BROKE MY HEART to have to take those steps in order to help him, but he refused to hospitalize himself or get any type of help.  He has been diagnosed as Manic-Bipolar, he was first taking RISPERDONE and CELEXA and I didn't see a very big change in his behavior, now he is on ABILIFY, only and it seems to be working...for now.  He is embarrassed by his disorder and won't read any of the posts on here about the disorder , i don't push him but have put it out there that the extra support is here for him if he should feel he needs.  I, as his mom am proud of the progress he has made and give him all the support he needs.  He has even enrolled at our Community College here in my town and is working towards a trade and building a future for himself.  

Response by Tom Weiss deleted due to Disaboom Censorship. I would rather censor myself.

This isn't my first experience with dealing with a family member with mental illness.  My ex-husband, my daughter's father had a psychotic break 7 years ago while we were still together, and most recently in June last year.  I continue to have to deal with his issues just by virtue of the fact that I have to deal with him for child support and his visitation.

What I didn't mention in my previous post that in addition to having to deal with my daughter's illness I also have health issues of my own and have been on disability since September. 

It's hard having dealt with this before, knowing that the daughter that I knew before is basically gone.  I miss her.  I know it is possible for her condition to improve, but I know that she will never go back to being the person she was before she became ill.  I saw that with my ex-husband.  His condition has improved, but he still cannot work.  He has made attempts, but they are usually short-lived.

I just have so many more concerns for her.  It's not just that she hears the voices and sees things.  She has no filter.  She tells anyone and everyone that she meets all about her illness.  And I do mean EVERYONE.  Before she started at the therapeutic school she was with me 24/7.  I would take her with me to my physical therapy appointments because I could not leave her home alone.  She would wait in the waiting room and watch television or nap while I was in the gym.  Many times I would come back from my appointment and catch her talking to strangers in the waiting room.  I would ask her what she talked about and she basically told them everything about her illness.  A few times I caught her in mid-conversation and heard it for myself.  I told her on more than one occassion if someone asks you why you aren't in school, you politely say that you are home schooled, you don't need to tell them why.  Needless to say this falls on deaf ears.  I'm concerned for her safety.  I don't know what I can go more to make her understand that it's not appropriate, nor is it safe to tell strangers these things.  She has no concept of stranger danger.

 

 

 

 

Response by Tom Weiss deleted due to Disaboom Censorship. I would rather censor myself.