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Patnet: Any Experience with Schizophrenia
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2021 Dec 25, 5:42am 1,987 views 23 comments
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3
FuckTheMainstreamMedia
2021 Dec 25, 10:44am
FuckTheMainstreamMedia
2021 Dec 25, 10:44am
It’s not much and not exactly the same, but in the same vein.
I had a co worker who was about 8 years younger than me. Friendly, and even interesting. Average performer when he was at work, even above average because of the friendly and polite manner in which he spoke to others. Also missed work like crazy with no discernable physical illness. I’d describe him as a Bernie bro…he was in his 30’s most of the 10 years I worked with him and probably would have been content playing video games all day in his parents basement. Problem was he was married, had three small kids, and was the primary breadwinner.
Finally he told me he was having trouble with what he thought were mental health issues and was bemoaning how difficult it was to get an appointment through our HMO. I told him he needed to have his wife or sister advocate for him and if things were really bad he needed to go to the ER. Next day he went to the ER and was placed off work for 3-6 months. Turns out he was bi polar and manic depressive. After a few years being off work and many appointments, he was finally granted a disability retirement.
It’s a really difficult situation…a real life catch 22….people have to seek help on their own, but their disease is such that they won’t.
Someone needs to find out if he is entitled to benefits either through his former jobs, workers comp, insurance, or state or SS disability. He likely won’t do it, but needs to have some support for when his parents pass. And yes he needs medical help. There are low and no cost mental health services available.
I had a co worker who was about 8 years younger than me. Friendly, and even interesting. Average performer when he was at work, even above average because of the friendly and polite manner in which he spoke to others. Also missed work like crazy with no discernable physical illness. I’d describe him as a Bernie bro…he was in his 30’s most of the 10 years I worked with him and probably would have been content playing video games all day in his parents basement. Problem was he was married, had three small kids, and was the primary breadwinner.
Finally he told me he was having trouble with what he thought were mental health issues and was bemoaning how difficult it was to get an appointment through our HMO. I told him he needed to have his wife or sister advocate for him and if things were really bad he needed to go to the ER. Next day he went to the ER and was placed off work for 3-6 months. Turns out he was bi polar and manic depressive. After a few years being off work and many appointments, he was finally granted a disability retirement.
It’s a really difficult situation…a real life catch 22….people have to seek help on their own, but their disease is such that they won’t.
Someone needs to find out if he is entitled to benefits either through his former jobs, workers comp, insurance, or state or SS disability. He likely won’t do it, but needs to have some support for when his parents pass. And yes he needs medical help. There are low and no cost mental health services available.
4
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2021 Dec 25, 11:35am
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2021 Dec 25, 11:35am
BayArea says
Yep yep! My best friend since the 1st grade, his slightly older brother and dad all had this. Dad died in a car crash before I met him.
Both boys ended up on the street in the SF bay area. Older brother has no teeth - they were kicked out. My pal was sent to San Quentin for nearly a decade - because no room in hospitals at the time not because he did anything wrong.
Eventually both guys are living okay and supported by the state. Both on meds but man, still crazy as shit when I call to check up on them. Exactly as you describe so I think for some the meds only get you so far.
But one is living in a state sponsored apartment across the street from a courthouse (nicer than anything I lived in during my bay area stint) and the other in a halfway house. They are taken care of well for their democratic vote (and given medals and stuff like that from dem politicians). They are offered some schooling, my pal cleans hospital attics and is quite proud of that. Some churchy activities as well.
My pals leg was smashed with a cinder block by a street person 2 years ago because, "he was white". The state almost cut his leg off instead of treating him because his monthly government check didn't cover the cost of a good treatment. Somehow, (not sure how) he kept his leg. He's got a serious limp now.
Hate to say it man but in my experience for people that are as advanced as you describe not a good outlooks. If your guy isn't on meds yet maaaybe he can get somewhat back to normal I don't know.
Don't let him smoke pot or do anything like that. It'll send him over the edge and he might not come back.
- unemployed and living with retired parents.
- difficulty drawing the line between fantasy and reality.
- throughout the day, this individual looks to be having conversation with someone else that isn’t in the room. If he notices that another family member is watching, he “snaps” out of it briefly but falls back into this minutes later. He can’t help it, almost appears involuntary.
- recalls past memories that never happened.
- struggles developing relationships, no significant other.
- no social life.
Yep yep! My best friend since the 1st grade, his slightly older brother and dad all had this. Dad died in a car crash before I met him.
Both boys ended up on the street in the SF bay area. Older brother has no teeth - they were kicked out. My pal was sent to San Quentin for nearly a decade - because no room in hospitals at the time not because he did anything wrong.
Eventually both guys are living okay and supported by the state. Both on meds but man, still crazy as shit when I call to check up on them. Exactly as you describe so I think for some the meds only get you so far.
But one is living in a state sponsored apartment across the street from a courthouse (nicer than anything I lived in during my bay area stint) and the other in a halfway house. They are taken care of well for their democratic vote (and given medals and stuff like that from dem politicians). They are offered some schooling, my pal cleans hospital attics and is quite proud of that. Some churchy activities as well.
My pals leg was smashed with a cinder block by a street person 2 years ago because, "he was white". The state almost cut his leg off instead of treating him because his monthly government check didn't cover the cost of a good treatment. Somehow, (not sure how) he kept his leg. He's got a serious limp now.
Hate to say it man but in my experience for people that are as advanced as you describe not a good outlooks. If your guy isn't on meds yet maaaybe he can get somewhat back to normal I don't know.
Don't let him smoke pot or do anything like that. It'll send him over the edge and he might not come back.
5
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2021 Dec 25, 11:40am
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2021 Dec 25, 11:40am
An example conversation might be:
Him: "Remember your neighbor named her cat Meg after Meg Ryan, her sister". (complete fantasy)
Me: "No, I don't remember that"
Him: Goes into some complex story about how he ran into my cousin (from Houston in the bay area) who's dad has ties to local business men who got rich working with local gang members that actually work for the local cops.
Just really off the wall shit.
Then, surprisingly goes into a normal conversation describing real past events we had for a few minutes, then back to crazy land. It's hard to chat with him.
Both brothers started to fall apart mid to late teens in high school.
Him: "Remember your neighbor named her cat Meg after Meg Ryan, her sister". (complete fantasy)
Me: "No, I don't remember that"
Him: Goes into some complex story about how he ran into my cousin (from Houston in the bay area) who's dad has ties to local business men who got rich working with local gang members that actually work for the local cops.
Just really off the wall shit.
Then, surprisingly goes into a normal conversation describing real past events we had for a few minutes, then back to crazy land. It's hard to chat with him.
Both brothers started to fall apart mid to late teens in high school.
6
Patrick
2021 Dec 26, 11:29pm
Patrick
2021 Dec 26, 11:29pm
@BayArea You want to talk to these people:
https://www.nami.org/Home?source=patrick.net
They are the main source of help and support for this kind of situation.
https://www.nami.org/Home?source=patrick.net
They are the main source of help and support for this kind of situation.
7
WookieMan
2021 Dec 27, 4:22am
WookieMan
2021 Dec 27, 4:22am
Not saying it’s this for sure, but don’t overlook it for alcoholism. It took a decade plus for us to figure out my BIL. Not a joke. Just thought he liked “water.” Was drinking a handle a day. He died at 40 about two months ago.
You literally wouldn’t know he was drunk. He functioned mostly but was anti-social. Didn’t have a friend he could talk to. People will self medicate. The last 5 years he was bat shit crazy and we only found out about 4 years ago when my mom accidentally drank one of his bottles of water. It was straight vodka. He was drinking heavy since he was 15 he admitted once confronted.
Just something to think about if someone has access to watch their habits. Alcoholism is not like what movies portray where it’s just an angry person with booze all over the room and puke. It’s the reason I don’t drink hard liquor with my family history. Never had a grandpa because they were dead from alcohol before I was born.
Tread lightly with pills too if that gets suggested. Sometimes that outcome is worse. They need to get with a reputable doc. Have friends or family do extensive research. Look at a guy like Jordan Peterson where Benzo legit put him down for 2 years. Legal drugs can be worse long term.
You literally wouldn’t know he was drunk. He functioned mostly but was anti-social. Didn’t have a friend he could talk to. People will self medicate. The last 5 years he was bat shit crazy and we only found out about 4 years ago when my mom accidentally drank one of his bottles of water. It was straight vodka. He was drinking heavy since he was 15 he admitted once confronted.
Just something to think about if someone has access to watch their habits. Alcoholism is not like what movies portray where it’s just an angry person with booze all over the room and puke. It’s the reason I don’t drink hard liquor with my family history. Never had a grandpa because they were dead from alcohol before I was born.
Tread lightly with pills too if that gets suggested. Sometimes that outcome is worse. They need to get with a reputable doc. Have friends or family do extensive research. Look at a guy like Jordan Peterson where Benzo legit put him down for 2 years. Legal drugs can be worse long term.
8
Patrick
2022 Jan 1, 5:23pm
Patrick
2022 Jan 1, 5:23pm
WookieMan says
I also avoid hard liquor for that reason. I have many Polish and Irish relatives who drank themselves to death, and it was always with hard liquor.
Much more difficult to kill yourself with beer or wine, though still possible.
It’s the reason I don’t drink hard liquor with my family history.
I also avoid hard liquor for that reason. I have many Polish and Irish relatives who drank themselves to death, and it was always with hard liquor.
Much more difficult to kill yourself with beer or wine, though still possible.
9
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2022 Jan 1, 8:40pm
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2022 Jan 1, 8:40pm
I had a friend in the bay area that drank herself to death a few months ago. 46 years old, left 2 kids and a great husband behind.
He's definitely describing schizophrenia though:
- difficulty drawing the line between fantasy and reality.
- throughout the day, this individual looks to be having conversation with someone else that isn’t in the room. If he notices that another family member is watching, he “snaps” out of it briefly but falls back into this minutes later. He can’t help it, almost appears involuntary.
- recalls past memories that never happened.
Those are hallmarks that would ring in your ears if you've experienced it.
He's definitely describing schizophrenia though:
- difficulty drawing the line between fantasy and reality.
- throughout the day, this individual looks to be having conversation with someone else that isn’t in the room. If he notices that another family member is watching, he “snaps” out of it briefly but falls back into this minutes later. He can’t help it, almost appears involuntary.
- recalls past memories that never happened.
Those are hallmarks that would ring in your ears if you've experienced it.
10
BayArea
2023 May 6, 1:44am
BayArea
2023 May 6, 1:44am
Patrick says
Don’t get me started on my Polish extended family. 80 proof can do a lot of damage and Polish Vodka culture doesn’t help.
I’ve been to my share of open bar weddings and also beer/wine only weddings. 4hrs into each, these two events are completely different from one another.
The issue I describe in my original post has nothing to do with alcoholism. The affected person hardly drinks and actually is in incredible shape which is surprising for someone affected by schizophrenia.
WookieMan says
It’s the reason I don’t drink hard liquor with my family history.
I also avoid hard liquor for that reason. I have many Polish and Irish relatives who drank themselves to death, and it was always with hard liquor.
Much more difficult to kill yourself with beer or wine, though still possible.
Don’t get me started on my Polish extended family. 80 proof can do a lot of damage and Polish Vodka culture doesn’t help.
I’ve been to my share of open bar weddings and also beer/wine only weddings. 4hrs into each, these two events are completely different from one another.
The issue I describe in my original post has nothing to do with alcoholism. The affected person hardly drinks and actually is in incredible shape which is surprising for someone affected by schizophrenia.
11
clambo
2023 May 6, 6:18am
I went to a small coffee shop in Santa Cruz for years since 1988.
I spent my free time there since it was close to where I lived.
Two guys who went there from time to time told me they were schizoprenics.
One was goofy and the other more intellectual. The intellectual guy had a job last time I spoke to him.
The goofy guy was on disability.
The guy was lonely; I would shoot the breeze with him and say hello if I saw him around town.
Now I am out of the state and he calls me up from time to time.
He's cheerful and harmless not scary like the homeless kooks are.
I spent my free time there since it was close to where I lived.
Two guys who went there from time to time told me they were schizoprenics.
One was goofy and the other more intellectual. The intellectual guy had a job last time I spoke to him.
The goofy guy was on disability.
The guy was lonely; I would shoot the breeze with him and say hello if I saw him around town.
Now I am out of the state and he calls me up from time to time.
He's cheerful and harmless not scary like the homeless kooks are.
12
WookieMan
2023 May 6, 8:13am
WookieMan
2023 May 6, 8:13am
BayArea says
You’re certain there’s no substance abuse at all? Someone monitors this person all the time? No pills? Nothing? That’s an extremely rare scenario naturally. Especially if they seemed normal for a duration of their life.
If they’re not willing to see a therapist or do a psychiatric evaluation then unfortunately it’s something the family will have to deal will. The person needs to listen or want help. We can’t just toss people in asylums anymore. I wish you luck. Just telling you there’s usually something else there people aren’t seeing.
Don’t get me started on my Polish extended family. 80 proof can do a lot of damage and Polish Vodka culture doesn’t help.
I’ve been to my share of open bar weddings and also beer/wine only weddings. 4hrs into each, these two events are completely different from one another.
The issue I describe in my original post has nothing to do with alcoholism. The affected person hardly drinks and actually is in incredible shape which is surprising for someone affected by schizophrenia.
You’re certain there’s no substance abuse at all? Someone monitors this person all the time? No pills? Nothing? That’s an extremely rare scenario naturally. Especially if they seemed normal for a duration of their life.
If they’re not willing to see a therapist or do a psychiatric evaluation then unfortunately it’s something the family will have to deal will. The person needs to listen or want help. We can’t just toss people in asylums anymore. I wish you luck. Just telling you there’s usually something else there people aren’t seeing.
13
Tenpoundbass
2023 May 6, 8:45am
Tenpoundbass
2023 May 6, 8:45am
clambo says
The guy probably suffers from stress and frazzled nerves, but some hack Psych doc told him he was a schitzo.
In my experience schitzos always reveal why they were diagnosed as such if you hang around or talk to them long enough.
The guy was lonely; I would shoot the breeze with him and say hello if I saw him around town.
Now I am out of the state and he calls me up from time to time.
He's cheerful and harmless not scary like the homeless kooks are.
The guy probably suffers from stress and frazzled nerves, but some hack Psych doc told him he was a schitzo.
In my experience schitzos always reveal why they were diagnosed as such if you hang around or talk to them long enough.
14
B.A.C.A.H.
2023 May 6, 9:46am
B.A.C.A.H.
2023 May 6, 9:46am
Hi BayArea,
I've had a front row seat to this sort of thing, including a couple of interventions.
When the time came in the interventions, I had already known from others whom I visited during their rehabilitation, that the Mental Health Facility at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View is second to none. Everyone I know who worked with them "got better" with their issues. My nuclear family knows that if I need that kind of help that's where I want to go.
I've had a front row seat to this sort of thing, including a couple of interventions.
When the time came in the interventions, I had already known from others whom I visited during their rehabilitation, that the Mental Health Facility at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View is second to none. Everyone I know who worked with them "got better" with their issues. My nuclear family knows that if I need that kind of help that's where I want to go.
15
Blue
2023 May 6, 9:59am
I have no knowledge on this topic but remember a conversation way back with a collage classmate talking abut his uncle's daughter who was suffering with this condition putting her in sunlight everyday!
I just looked up, sounds like there could a linked to lack of vitamin-D.
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-sunlight-5089214
(not sure if related to to this topic, like D another critical Vitamin K2 from Dr. Pradip Jamnadas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3njgh2nFRk%3Fsource%3Dpatrick.net sorry for the bad tube)
Like other mentioned above
Marijuana Use Increases Schizophrenia Risk in Men:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20230505/marijuana-use-increases-schizophrenia-risk-in-men
I just looked up, sounds like there could a linked to lack of vitamin-D.
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-sunlight-5089214
(not sure if related to to this topic, like D another critical Vitamin K2 from Dr. Pradip Jamnadas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3njgh2nFRk%3Fsource%3Dpatrick.net sorry for the bad tube)
Like other mentioned above
Marijuana Use Increases Schizophrenia Risk in Men:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20230505/marijuana-use-increases-schizophrenia-risk-in-men
16
Ceffer
2023 May 6, 10:21am
Ceffer
2023 May 6, 10:21am
I'll have to consult 'The Voices' about this.
I remember having a conversation with a shrink and he said schizophrenia can manifest at any age, but usually by the 20's. A relative's wife's' mother became schizophrenic in her forties and had to be institutionalized.
The Irish side of my family seem to be crazy in about fourths, mostly the females. It's sometimes hard to separate Irish craziness from Irish divine inspirations.
I remember having a conversation with a shrink and he said schizophrenia can manifest at any age, but usually by the 20's. A relative's wife's' mother became schizophrenic in her forties and had to be institutionalized.
The Irish side of my family seem to be crazy in about fourths, mostly the females. It's sometimes hard to separate Irish craziness from Irish divine inspirations.
17
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2023 May 6, 10:22am
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2023 May 6, 10:22am
WookieMan says
How about islands though? We can have schitzo island, tranny island, psycho island, etc.
We can’t just toss people in asylums anymore.
How about islands though? We can have schitzo island, tranny island, psycho island, etc.
18
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2023 May 6, 10:22am
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2023 May 6, 10:22am
Blue says
Definitely was an activator (among other drugs) with respect to my two brothers friends in high school.
Marijuana Use Increases Schizophrenia Risk in Men:
Definitely was an activator (among other drugs) with respect to my two brothers friends in high school.
19
BayArea
2023 May 6, 10:30am
BayArea
2023 May 6, 10:30am
WookieMan says
We are certain there’s no substance abuse issue going on. The guy is a straight shooter. He alway declines any type of alcohol at family dinners, holidays etc. He lives with his retired parents and someone is always around. He goes to bed early, he rises early.
He could be on the cover of Men’s Health with how fit he is. It’s totally unusual that someone would be affected by schizophrenia but follow such a strict diet/nutrition/fitness plan. Been that way for 20+ yrs now.
Interesting mention of marijuana above… I’ve read time and time again that marijuana was an activator for schizophrenia in some % of cases. It’s not related to this particular case.
You’re certain there’s no substance abuse at all? Someone monitors this person all the time? No pills? Nothing? That’s an extremely rare scenario naturally. Especially if they seemed normal for a duration of their life.
If they’re not willing to see a therapist or do a psychiatric evaluation then unfortunately it’s something the family will have to deal will. The person needs to listen or want help. We can’t just toss people in asylums anymore. I wish you luck. Just telling you there’s usually something else there people aren’t seeing.
We are certain there’s no substance abuse issue going on. The guy is a straight shooter. He alway declines any type of alcohol at family dinners, holidays etc. He lives with his retired parents and someone is always around. He goes to bed early, he rises early.
He could be on the cover of Men’s Health with how fit he is. It’s totally unusual that someone would be affected by schizophrenia but follow such a strict diet/nutrition/fitness plan. Been that way for 20+ yrs now.
Interesting mention of marijuana above… I’ve read time and time again that marijuana was an activator for schizophrenia in some % of cases. It’s not related to this particular case.
20
BayArea
2023 May 6, 10:34am
BayArea
2023 May 6, 10:34am
B.A.C.A.H. says
Thank you for this, I will look into it.
Hi BayArea,
I've had a front row seat to this sort of thing, including a couple of interventions.
When the time came in the interventions, I had already known from others whom I visited during their rehabilitation, that the Mental Health Facility at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View is second to none. Everyone I know who worked with them "got better" with their issues. My nuclear family knows that if I need that kind of help that's where I want to go.
Thank you for this, I will look into it.
21
Patrick
2023 May 6, 10:59am
Patrick
2023 May 6, 10:59am
I have one relative, a young woman, who became psychotic after getting a hormonal IUD.
Took a year to figure it out, but after removing the IUD she went back to normal.
Took a year to figure it out, but after removing the IUD she went back to normal.
23
AmericanKulak
2023 May 6, 2:33pm
AmericanKulak
2023 May 6, 2:33pm
Ceffer says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrJCDhf5N7k
Irish craziness from Irish divine inspirations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrJCDhf5N7k
An extended family member is suspected of having schizophrenia. This individual won’t seek help and their quality of life has severely diminished over the last several years. Minor symptoms were noticeable by their mid 20s and ten years later, this person can’t hold a job. Family members that live with this person have also suffered reduced quality of life as a result of that person’s symptoms.
I’m no expert on mental illness and just recently started reading up on this disorder.
I’m wondering if Patnet members have any experience with this, can help offer advice, etc?
From what I understand, approximately 1% of the population is affected with symptoms that can be described as mild to severe.
I’d like to try to help and push the immediate family of the person to find some way to get them help. However, there’s a stigma surrounding this disorder and the affected individual has not been willing to get help while their symptoms have gradually worsened over the last few years. This person has gone from mostly self managed with what resembled a mostly normal life to now (mid 30s) with the following:
- unemployed and living with retired parents.
- difficulty drawing the line between fantasy and reality.
- throughout the day, this individual looks to be having conversation with someone else that isn’t in the room. If he notices that another family member is watching, he “snaps” out of it briefly but falls back into this minutes later. He can’t help it, almost appears involuntary.
- recalls past memories that never happened.
- struggles developing relationships, no significant other.
- no social life.
It’s difficult to watch someone’s life degrade before your eyes who will not get help. I understand there are far more treatments available today (medication, counseling, etc) today than in years past.
My suspicion is that this person isn’t seeking help because they are afraid of what a diagnosis would mean for future employment opportunities, compromising driving privileges, fear of being hospitalized, etc.
Although there is a genetic component, from what I understand, a trauma can trigger the disorder in people. I don’t know what that could be in this case. I also understand that symptoms typically start coming out in early adulthood and if untreated, can get worse later into adulthood. I also understand that people with this disorder have a shorter life expectancy (~18 years shorter on average).
I’m sad for this person and sad for the parents who are older and feel like they can’t help.
Eager to hear whether anyone here has been affected or has had someone in the family affected. Thank you.
I want to find a way to help this family as I’m close with them but need to get more educated on this matter and find the right angle.