A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:My aunt suffers from schizophrenia, she is on medication and has been for over three decades. i recently spoke with her psychiatrist who is requesting that we seek alternative approaches to her illness. she refuses, and that's putting it mildly to do the exercises set up for he by her doctors. she has been with them for three decades as well, and no improvement. she will go out for walks now, with positive reinforcement, but it takes a great deal of work to get her to do it. she lies to the family often, when caught she blames it o her illness, which we tried to empathize with because its not easy for her. but the lies keep coming, and we hold back on vocalizing or using facial reactions to let her know we are disappointed, we have adult talks, but it is wearing us all out. she has a schedule set for her, to help her through the day, with medications, feeding the cats she has, and when to take a walk. not too much, we cant overload her. just small things. but she will ignore these things, she will leave coffee spills allover, she goes from loving her cats to saying she cant deal with the pressure of them, so we help with that. its too much on her and us.her doctor said we could look into subliminal cds, that coax persons to relax, maybe even motivational songs to get her up in the morning. her health is fine, otherwise, but her psychiatrist is concerned without us she would stop all together.has anyone ever lived with a schizophrenic? any suggestions? please offer any advice, insight, we don't want to lose her because we are tired. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (10 July 2009): My mother is a schizphrenic and I understand what you and your family must be going through. The main thing is make sure she is taking her meds. She will lie to you about a lot of things, but just remember that she is mentally ill and she does need you. It isn't easy for her or anyone that has to take care of a family member with schizophrenia. Every thing she says that she is exsperiancing is very real to her and their is no argueing otherwise. Try putting her in an activity that she may enjoy. keep her mind busy, but remember those meds are very important. my mom takes a shot every two weeks. we had to get that set up for her because she also would lie to us about taking her meds and other things. What you and your family are doing for your aunt is a good thing. even though it could get tough at times. I wish you and your family well.
A
female
reader, Wonder79 +, writes (10 July 2009):
Is your aunt involved in any sort of community day programs or support activities? You said she's been seeing doctors for many years, but you didn't mention if she was involved with any sort of weekly activity or program. Sometimes that can be just as important in helping people with schizophrenia as their daily medications.
For you and your family, I would suggest looking up an organization called NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). Not only could they hook you up with day program ideas for your aunt, but they also offer support groups for families trying to cope with a relative dealing with a mental illness.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
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A
female
reader, sammi star  +, writes (9 July 2009):
 I haven't lived with a schizophrenic but my sisters dad (who has always been like a dad to me too) has paranoid schizophrenia and I've helper take care of him. I'm not sure how much I can help you because your aunt sounds like she's very different to my sisters dad, he's fine going out and living his day to day life but when he has a bad patch it's hell for several weeks at a time. He'll do things like call the police to say our house has been bombed, pour boiling water on his legs and try to jump out of moving cars.
I guess I just wanted to tell you I know how difficult (and often scary) it can be. It's so frustrating when you see the people you love suffering and can't do anything to help.
It's also a huge strain and can make you think you don't want to be involved anymore and you shouldn't feel guilty if you ever think that way.
The best you can do is continue being there for her, but always share responsibilities with other family members. Look around for some good support groups too.
Good luck hun x
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