Understanding Schizophrenia.......

**many houseapes** · 02-02-2011, 02:50 PM

My son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia....there is no family history of it....no drug/alcohol abuse...no promiscuity. I had known for awhile that there was something that "wasn't right". I was finally able to talk him into getiing some help (hard to do when its an adult you're dealing with)Don't know what else to say except "why my son?"
How can I help him? I feel lost.

**ktsmama** · 02-02-2011, 03:04 PM

Not sure how to help, but I will be praying for your family and your son.

**Ceashels** · 02-02-2011, 03:04 PM

For now, learn as much as you can and be there for him.

many hugs to you.

**HappyMama** · 02-02-2011, 03:20 PM

Many hugs and blessings to you. I agree with C. try to learn as much as you can for him, and just be there. We are here for you if you need us.

**Dancing Lotus** · 02-02-2011, 03:40 PM

He is still the same son he always was. Love him just as you have , learn all you can , and ask him what he needs. When he does not know what he needs, help him find out.

**bonnotsm9** · 02-02-2011, 03:52 PM

The biggest struggle with schizophrenia is that when the person with it most needs help, he/she is least likely to realize it. Being in frequent contact and encouraging him to take his meds faithfully will be a huge help.

Let him know that you love him and he's not "defective", which is sometimes how people with this dx can feel about themselves.

**mauimagic** · 02-02-2011, 04:11 PM

While it's good to know what is going on with your son and that there is a diagnosis for it, it's so challenging when you move on to the next step. Unfortunately this is one disease that shows itself in teenage and early 20s.

Have they offered medication yet? Is there a family support group where you live?

Sending prayers, hugs and aloha to you all. It's a step by step process.

**Dixie** · 02-02-2011, 04:29 PM

and prayers

I found this link, maybe it will be of some help:

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness | Mental Illnesses

**2ndGenGranola** · 02-02-2011, 04:49 PM

Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism,ADD/ADHD,Dyslexia,Dyspraxia,Depression,Schizophrenia (Paperback)
by "Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride MD. MMedSci(Neurology). MMedSci(Nutrition)"

The nutritionist we saw (along with many others) put schizophrenia on the same spectrum as autism, depression and such. She recommended the book I listed above. The book is a difficult read and I've had to read and reread it but it is loaded with info on how the brain works and associated info.

**mom2three** · 02-02-2011, 04:58 PM

2nd GenGranola

I have to agree with the GAPS doctor based on my own family history (my grandmother was schizophrenic) and the research I've done on my own over the last few years.

many houseapes -is there a history of autoimmune disease in your family, IBS, celiac, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders? Have you trialed a diet change? Is your son addicted to carbs/sugar? Does your son complain about stomach problems?

**many houseapes** · 02-02-2011, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by mauimagic

While it's good to know what is going on with your son and that there is a diagnosis for it, it's so challenging when you move on to the next step. Unfortunately this is one disease that shows itself in teenage and early 20s.

Have they offered medication yet? Is there a family support group where you live?

Sending prayers, hugs and aloha to you all. It's a step by step process.

Yes, he started his medication last night & I'm looking into a family support group.

**many houseapes** · 02-02-2011, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by mom2three

2nd GenGranola

I have to agree with the GAPS doctor based on my own family history (my grandmother was schizophrenic) and the research I've done on my own over the last few years.

many houseapes -is there a history of autoimmune disease in your family, IBS, celiac, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders? Have you trialed a diet change? Is your son addicted to carbs/sugar? Does your son complain about stomach problems?

He has ulcerative colitus

**mauimagic** · 02-02-2011, 05:37 PM

The son of a friend of mine - actually there was another family with a son with schizophrenia too - so that's two - higher percentage of males are diagnosed. The first son was very successful in living a fulfilling life when he was taking his medications. The second son's life was not an easy road - a late diagnosis and reluctance to take any medication. A challenge seems to be that they feel so good when on meds that they decide to go off them.

NAMI is a wonderful resource for everyone in your family, including and especially your son. Please let us know what's happening - you know we are concerned and care.

**MaryCarney** · 02-02-2011, 05:47 PM

Be absolutely CERTAIN he takes his meds. Persons with schizophrenia often resist / hide meds - but the meds make life so much better for them. and their families.
Praying for you today.

**MissSeetonFan** · 02-02-2011, 05:48 PM

My husband's family has a history of mental illness on one side. It has hit several of his immediate family members with everything from extreme shyness (possibly a phobia), to anxiety and panic attacks, to hoarding, to schizophrenia. His youngest sister had a three year odyssey with pain associated with a bad gall bladder. Within months of having it out, she ended up with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Balancing meds with support and the person's independence is important. One of the biggest things I have seen is that the line the mental illness comes through, everyone agrees grandma has dementia and hoarding. No one talks about her kids who may or may not have issues. But the grandkids with problems, everyone talks about them and helps out. The only reason grandma is discussed is because she is old and it is acceptable to talk about dementia in relation to old people. They don't talk about her history from when she was raising her kids but it is there in the background of a lot of stories.

Bringing it out into the open has helped the grandkids (at least in my husband's part of the family) that have issues. They are honest and open about having an episode, needing support and taking meds. By talking about it, they are holding themselves accountable. If we listen, we can tell if they are starting to lose it and need extra help via therapy, drugs, diet or whatever.

The sister that has it is in school taking what classes she can handle and trying to get back into her hobbies from before both illnesses. It can take time to get back on track if he really got lost but encourage your son to do it.

Good luck with it all.