Schizophrenia: A Family's Struggle with Mental Illness

Q: Schizophrenia: A Family's Struggle with Mental Illness

Hello： As a family member of a patient, it is indeed challenging during the caregiving process, especially when the patient is unstable. <br>Therefore, medical intervention is urgently needed. <br>I would like to know if your brother is on medication for management. <br>Please di

My brother has schizophrenia?

Hello Doctor: My second brother fell ill two years ago, and he is now at least 19 years old.
Initially, he believed that there were cameras in his room and that the family was monitoring him.
Gradually, he lost interest in school and stayed in his room.
Later, he began to exhibit significant violent behavior, throwing fruits and glass bricks (used for sharpening knives) at my father, hitting him in the stomach, and throwing his lunch directly at my mother, scattering food everywhere.
He even locked the door to prevent my parents from entering the house.
Eventually, we had to call an ambulance and the police, and that’s when we realized he was sick.

Since the hospital could not accommodate him for long-term care, my father kept transferring him to different facilities, and he ended up in a nursing home where he has been for over a year.
Recently, he claimed that someone took his blanket and asked the staff to help him find it, but when they couldn’t, he got into an argument and was asked to leave.
He took a bus back home.

Now that he is back home, the family is starting to feel anxious, myself included.
(Previously, he had stolen money from the house, so we now hide all valuables and sharp objects.) Given what happened before, we are still afraid he might become violent again.
Additionally, we discovered this morning that my mother’s phone, which she left in the living room last night, had all its call logs (phone numbers) deleted.
My father, who sleeps on the same floor as him, also found his phone logs deleted.
We are quite certain he did this.
Why would he do such a thing? My father is exhausted taking care of him; he has to work and wake up early while also looking after him, especially since he is in his early 60s (he was a late-born child).
As his daughter, I don’t know what to do! I apologize for the lengthy message, but I hope the doctor can respond.
Thank you for your hard work, Doctor.

Lao Miao, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/26

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello: As a family member of a patient, it is indeed challenging during the caregiving process, especially when the patient is unstable.
Therefore, medical intervention is urgently needed.
I would like to know if your brother is on medication for management.
Please discuss treatment strategies with your father at the nearest mental health facility with a physician.
(The hospital has a team that includes social workers, psychologists, etc.) This will ensure your brother receives appropriate treatment and alleviate the burden on the family.

Reply Date: 2016/11/26

More Info

Dealing with a family member suffering from schizophrenia can be an incredibly challenging and distressing experience. Based on your description, it seems that your brother is exhibiting classic symptoms of schizophrenia, including paranoia, social withdrawal, and aggressive behavior. These symptoms can create a tense and fearful environment for the entire family, as you have experienced.

Understanding Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Individuals with schizophrenia may seem like they've lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for both them and their loved ones. Common symptoms include:
1. Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs, such as the belief that one is being watched or persecuted.

2. Hallucinations: Experiencing things that are not present, such as hearing voices.

3. Disorganized Thinking: Difficulty organizing thoughts, leading to incoherent speech or behavior.

4. Negative Symptoms: A decrease in the ability to function normally, including lack of motivation, withdrawal from social life, and neglect of personal hygiene.

Family Dynamics and Safety Concerns
Your family's situation is understandably fraught with anxiety, especially given your brother's violent outbursts. It’s crucial to prioritize safety for everyone involved. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Establish Safety Protocols: Given your brother's history of violence, it’s important to create a safe environment. This may involve securing potentially dangerous items, such as sharp objects and medications, and having a plan in place for emergencies.

2. Seek Professional Help: It sounds like your brother has been in and out of treatment facilities. It’s essential to maintain consistent psychiatric care. If he is resistant to treatment, consider reaching out to mental health professionals who specialize in crisis intervention. They may be able to provide guidance on how to manage his behavior and facilitate his return to treatment.

3. Family Support: Encourage family members to participate in support groups for families of individuals with schizophrenia. These groups can provide emotional support, education about the illness, and strategies for coping with the challenges you face.

4. Communicate Openly: While it may be difficult, try to maintain open lines of communication with your brother. Express your concerns without judgment. Sometimes, individuals with schizophrenia may respond better to calm, non-confrontational discussions.

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding schizophrenia can help demystify the condition and reduce fear. Learn about the symptoms, treatment options, and coping strategies. This knowledge can empower you and your family to handle situations more effectively.

Addressing Paranoia and Behavior
Regarding your brother's recent actions, such as deleting contacts from your parents' phones, this behavior may stem from his paranoia. He might believe that he is being monitored or that others are conspiring against him. It’s important to approach these situations with empathy, recognizing that his actions are influenced by his illness.

1. Avoid Confrontation: When addressing his behavior, try to avoid confrontational language. Instead, express concern for his well-being and emphasize your desire to help him.

2. Encourage Treatment: If he is open to it, encourage him to speak with a mental health professional about his feelings of paranoia and any distress he is experiencing. Medication and therapy can significantly help manage symptoms.

3. Crisis Management: If you ever feel that your brother poses a danger to himself or others, do not hesitate to contact emergency services. It’s better to err on the side of caution when safety is at stake.

Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of schizophrenia within a family setting is undoubtedly challenging. It requires patience, understanding, and often professional intervention. Remember to take care of your own mental health as well; supporting a loved one with a severe mental illness can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Consider seeking support for yourself, whether through counseling or support groups, to help you cope with the stress and uncertainty you are experiencing. Your brother's journey is difficult, but with the right support and treatment, there is hope for improvement.

Similar Q&A

Coping with Schizophrenia: Strategies for Families and Caregivers

Hello Doctor, my father has been suffering from schizophrenia for about ten years. He has seen a psychiatrist but later rejected treatment. In the past year or two, his condition has worsened, and now he experiences episodes almost daily, often causing disturbances at home. Howev...

Dr. Zhang Zhehong reply Psychiatry
Patients with schizophrenia often lack insight into their condition, and arguments may exacerbate their delusions and mask symptoms. I will persuade the patient to accept treatment by addressing issues such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. If the patient in...

Overcoming Pessimism: Coping with Schizophrenia and Family Struggles

Hello, doctor: My family relationships are strained because I have schizophrenia... I feel abandoned in my care. I often cry secretly out of fear of being left alone. Sometimes I think about what would happen if my health deteriorated and there was really no one to take care of m...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Please return for a follow-up appointment so we can discuss further. Thank you!

Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Mental Illness in the Family

I would like to hear the doctor's advice, thank you! A family member has been diagnosed with a mental illness but has never sought medical attention personally; an elder consulted privately. His condition fluctuates between normalcy and sudden episodes. When he is stable, he...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. The focus for family members with mental health issues is primarily on encouraging medical care, and for now, it is best to let the elders make the judgment. Regarding the difficulties you mentioned in your interactions with family and the part where you stated, "I al...

Understanding Mental Health: Navigating Schizophrenia and Depression Challenges

My brother has been suffering from a mental illness for five years. He is currently 30 years old. Initially, the doctor diagnosed him with schizophrenia, but about six months later, a different doctor said it was early symptoms of depression, including auditory hallucinations and...

Dr. Li Guanying reply Psychiatry
From your letter, it is clear that you are concerned about your family's depressive symptoms and the stress of mental health issues. 1. Facing an uncertain future, mental disorders are common in modern society and are chronic conditions that require long-term treatment for...