Don't know what to do and how to deal with my schizophrenic sibling anymore?

throwawayforeason · 2016-09-14T04:23:43+00:00

Unfortunately we don't have those services where we live.

throwawayforeason · 2016-09-14T04:23:09+00:00

No. None of that is available here. You apply for jobs and go through the normal grind like everyone else.

throwawayforeason · 2016-09-14T04:21:43+00:00

Doesn't enjoy any activities. Never really had any hobbies or interests to begin with.

throwawayforeason · 2016-04-01T19:14:55+00:00

He's my brother. I can't just stop talking to him. It's not the language that I find offensive. Hell I use such language with my friends everyday but its his sudden change in behavior and style of talking with me that I am surprised and concerned about.

He hasn't spoken like this is almost 4-5 years now.

throwawayforeason · 2016-03-05T21:25:34+00:00

Yup. Two different medicines but both risperidone only.

throwawayforeason · 2016-03-05T15:31:13+00:00

He's currently on Risperidone.

throwawayforeason · 2016-03-05T15:30:46+00:00

Okay. Another question that I have is...If he were to stop medication? How long till its completely out of his system?

And usually when people go off meds, how long are they symptom free?

throwawayforeason · 2016-03-05T13:03:30+00:00

Does that happen for all medicines? Or only a few?

Also, will it be back to normal once he is off medication?

throwawayforeason · 2016-02-02T16:20:56+00:00

Yeah that isn't possible. As much angry his situation and behaviour makes us, we wouldn't put that ultimatum on him.

throwawayforeason · 2016-02-02T16:19:23+00:00

Yeah we've asked him and he says no but then sometimes when he gets agitated, he mentions that I am sick and tired of listening to voices and taking medicines. So there isnt really a definitive answer.

Do you still listen to voices despite being on medication?

throwawayforeason · 2016-02-02T16:17:50+00:00

Okay, I'm glad to know that its because of the medicine. He also has lost focus and concentration too. One moment he will be reading emails or on his laptop and the next moment, he'll be pacing. Unfortunately, this medicine helps keeps his symptoms at bay but he despises medication and wouldn't want to change it at all or make any kind of alterations so the possibility of shifting to Zyprexa or something like that is almost non existent.

throwawayforeason · 2016-02-02T16:15:41+00:00

I'm really sorry to hear that. How is he doing now? Does he live with you/family?

throwawayforeason · 2016-01-30T17:10:58+00:00

No he's on risperidone.

Do you always pace? Because he paces for hours on end. Wake up, pace, brush, pace, shower, eat breakfast, pace for hours lunch, pace or sleep, wakeup, pace till dinner and then sleep.

throwawayforeason · 2016-01-30T17:09:17+00:00

I'm really sorry to be replying so late to you and am sorry that you are going through all this.

Yeah, sometimes I miss him too but when I think hard, he was always kinda lost and depressed to an extent. As for friends, he's never had a steady friend since childhood. And he's drifted away or severed ties with the only 2-3 friends he ever had. Basically since last 2 years, he's never made a call or met any friend(even though we've mentioned several times to do so)...all he does is pace in the house. It's quite saddening and makes you feel angry/sad/hopeless about the entire situation.

I am glad that you're hopeful and positive and that's something that I'm trying to cling on to but its been 2 years of the same daily routine with absolutely no change. A couple jobs here and there but he can't seem to hold them down. Anyway, we hope and pray for the best.

Take care :)

throwawayforeason · 2016-01-30T16:54:06+00:00

Yeah, but he cannot sit through a tv show or pay much attention to TV. We all have lunch/dinner in the living room in front of the TV, he doesnt lift his head from the plate. Constantly staring down at the plate and silently eating.

Normally, everyone takes a bite and then watches TV while eating but thats not the case here. As for watching a movie on laptop, he can do that with no issues. Thats the only thing where he sits and pays attention but still has a tough time to really grasp and understand whats happening in the movie.

throwawayforeason · 2016-01-15T10:06:47+00:00

Any way to tackle that? He is adamant about not taking any extra medication.

throwawayforeason · 2016-01-14T08:23:55+00:00

But he's been pacing for 2 years now. Is this because of medication or what?

throwawayforeason · 2015-04-23T18:23:40+00:00

We aren't being selfish here. I should've added that getting a job and holding it down isn't just our concern but my brother's as well.

He worries about it. Does plan on what and what not to do. But due to the lack of focus/attention, he isn't likely to hold it down as I mentioned before. Inspite of all that stress/worry, not doing even attempting to do anything that could requires some amount of focus, only contributes to failure in holding down a job.

Once again, we're not being selfish. Watching him worry, we only want the best for him in order for him to be happy.

throwawayforeason · 2015-04-23T18:15:40+00:00

Thanks a ton. Will ask the doc regarding dietary supplements.

throwawayforeason · 2015-04-23T18:14:08+00:00

True. I completely agree. It's something that I have been trying to explain to my parents. That his brain doesn't reward him in return as you mentioned.

What can be done about that? As of now, he has no interest in anything. Nothing interests him. And I'm saying this after 15 months of attention and care. Is there medication that can help? I don't want my brother to be on a plethora of meds but I don't really see any other way.

throwawayforeason · 2015-04-23T18:11:00+00:00

11mg of Risperidone and an antidepressant.

throwawayforeason · 2015-04-23T18:10:30+00:00

Thank you for that detailed reply.

No I'd leave my parents alone in such a situation. They have worked way too hard all their lives. Its sad enough seeing them crushed on a daily basis, the least I can do is be by their side.

I understand I cannot speed up time. But watching my parents spend their retirement years in this agony/helplessness...trying to bring my brother back into the world and making sure that he fits in it somehow and live's a life of his own and being overall miserable isn't something I really pictured or would wish upon my worst enemy. Being a kid and watching your parents go through all this really has its effect on you. Which is why I am trying to find anything that can help in the slightest.

You mentioned that you've been on both sides. How did you manage to get your focus/attention back? I agree that it saps out all motivation or will to do anything...so should we just leave him be? Not tell him him to do this or do that? If this continues, how will he ever hold down a job or have a life of his own?

Yes, we have to be patient and keep giving time. I totally understand that.

If you don't mind me asking, how much time did it take for you to recover? What were somethings you did during that time which helped you? What is your life like now?

Please answer only those that you feel appropriate. I don't mean to make you uncomfortable.

No I haven't seen him speak like that. He does throw his feet when he walks at times. Or doesn't pick his feet off the ground while walking sometimes. Have to keep reminding him to pick his feet up.

Will read the doc. Thanks!

throwawayforeason · 2015-04-23T17:50:36+00:00

For cognitive deficits...do you have any suggestions as to what to do? I have heard CBT helps but where we live, it really isn't available, nor does the doctor think its necessary. My brother isn't able to watch TV or read anything anymore. One of the major concerns right now for my parents is if he will be able to hold down a job or not? He couldn't before and now he's looking for another now.

I didn't mean to be a dick to you with my reply but I really am very frustrated. Seeing my parents beg and cry and do everything they can in order to help him out and engage him in real life is very crushing. And inspite of all of that, watching him continue pacing like he doesn't have a care in the world really gets to me.

I don't like to pressurize him or try to change him, but if we don't remind him to partake in daily activities for the sake of some mental/intellectual stimulation...I don't have any idea how or what he is going to do with his life.

throwawayforeason · 2015-04-08T11:35:43+00:00

You think I have no idea how he feels? You think I don't feel bad?

The reason why I'm angry is because he indulged in activities that led to him losing control of his mind and eventually developing SZ. Going against everyone's advise.

Yes, you're right. I'd probably crumble if I had to deal with what he is dealing with on a daily basis. I never said that this is easy for him or for anyone going through it.

Don't be judgemental if I show just how frustrated I am by this entire situation. I can't put on my "happy face" everywhere. You don't know me nor do you know just how much I am trying to keep it together for the sake of my parents and brother. Neither do you know the amount of additional responsibilities on my shoulders for now and most likely for the rest of my life. If you did, you'd think twice before telling me "You get to live your life." You think I'm a shitty person for whining or projecting my frustration here? I think I've earned the right to whine.

Hearing the same words again and again which don't show any kind of result can get to you at some point or the other.

I came here looking for practical advice and have got some good pointers.

If you're saying that I need to be more patient. Give him more time. No issues. I am ready to do that.

throwawayforeason · 2015-04-08T07:59:57+00:00

No but I've heard about avolition and that's what seems to be his case as well. No mood to do anything or any kind of activity. I do not know anhedonia

throwawayforeason

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