Idiotisms

[Shell B]

Sure, schizophrenics are awesome. Putting yourself in their shoes, however, is difficult to say the least.

I don't try. I just try to avoid expecting too much of him. We were really close growing up and he was always a little different. He got more different as we got older and he had all the difficulties one would expect and I would stress myself out trying to get him to have a normal job, car, life, mindset, etc. All we did was fight at that time. Finally, I had a meeting with his social worker when I was getting him out of the hospital one day and I left fucking determined to understand what the hell was going on with him. I haven't stopped learning about schizophrenia since and he and I get along much better.

[Faith No More]

I don't try. I just try to avoid expecting too much of him. We were really close growing up and he was always a little different. He got more different as we got older and he had all the difficulties one would expect and I would stress myself out trying to get him to have a normal job, car, life, mindset, etc. All we did was fight at that time. Finally, I had a meeting with his social worker when I was getting him out of the hospital one day and I left fucking determined to understand what the hell was going on with him. I haven't stopped learning about schizophrenia since and he and I get along much better.

I have been inside those hospitals myself and have met a few schizophrenics. I applaud you for trying to understand him, because I've seen too many family members just give up on their loved ones who are ill.

[Shell B]

I have been inside those hospitals myself and have met a few schizophrenics. I applaud you for trying to understand him, because I've seen too many family members just give up on their loved ones who are ill.

I could never give up on him. Schizophrenia is especially hard and they can just seem like assholes, so I understand why people become exasperated. However, I love him way too much to let that get in the way. He's a really good kid, with a great heart. Between him being in the hospital and being homeless, both off an on for about ten years now, I have felt so much fear for him that I could never just walk away. I know that I could never be comfortable not knowing where he is and what is going on in his life. Besides, now he has an absolutely gorgeous daughter that he has to take care of, so his treatment is that much more important. I'll tell you, though, getting a schizo to stick to treatment is like picking up an elephant. I think that has been the hardest part.

[Epimethean]

By brother-in-law's brother, whom I have never met, is schizophrenic. It is so hard on the family, and my brother-in-law feels so bad that he left him at home when he went away to university. He does not take treatment or use any meds, so it is essentially out of control. How often do you see your little brother, Shell?