I have a sister who was recently arrested and the hospitalized for a psychotic episode. She is only 46 but she’s burned every bridge in our family. Last year she went missing, ran away from her abusive husband and then went right back to him after a week. What happens when she gets arrested again and husband doesn’t take her back? He never gives her meds and controls her. I am afraid she will be homeless or become a ward of the state soon. She is also suicidal. I have done everything I can for years. Has anyone been through this crisis with a relative having schizophrenia and never getting help? I don’t know what to do.
https://nami.org/Home
Please realize that people who suffer from this disorder cannot help themselves and you can't help them. They really need to be in a facility where they are overseen constantly. Our country seems to lack this type of supervision.
He chose to live on the streets over treatment. Because treatment was always so temporary and he had to be accountable and that wasn't happening.
Nothing will help them if they don't desire the help.
He died of a drug overdose at 52 years old in a back alley.
Unfortunately, I don't think his story is all that unusual for this brutal disease.
I pray your BIL can some how reach her and she doesn't become another statistic.
Great big hug. It sure is a rollercoaster ride from hell dealing with the illness.
No rights are taken from the individual unless really neccessary & they have a mental health social worker or advocate to represent them. In theory anyway... The system is far from perfect.
I don't think there actually IS a lot you can do besides ensuring your sister has access to whatever advocacy services are available.
At 46, she is too young for an aged care placement, but may be found housing in a group home, mixed or women only. Of course, living there may not really improve her circumstances.
It is an awful condition. Dr told me more than 80% have anosognosia (lack of insight) & this causes much resistance to seeking help or taking meds. Also that many meds have side effects, which are not tolerated well by many, so they stop taking.
Some people will settle & thrive in a supervised setting. Sadly there are others who remain unstable, bouncing in & out of hospitals instead.
If it helps you to write, keep updating. I wish you well.
PS my sister stays medicated & stable but has this anosognosia & may need guardianship in her future.