Concerned Friend

Ladersconfuseme
Community Member
Hi guys not sure if anyone can help but I don't know what to do anymore my best friend has previously been hospitalised for schizophrenia but now states there is nothing wrong with her and she doesn't need her medication at first she seemed really good and like the person I grew up with but unfortunately it didn't last in the last week she has been constantly concerned about people following her she won't answer the door or won't answer her phone she has become really quiet and withdrawn some mornings she just doesn't show up for work I have had to convince her to climb down of the roof when I asked her why she was up there she said it was because she felt like going for a fly she was lying in the middle of a main road the other day when I said you will get killed doing that she replied that nothing can kill her her personal hygiene has gone south and her house is a mess and she never eats and has lost a lot of weight I don't know much about mental health and I don't know if any of this is related to her previous diagnosis of schizophrenia or if it depression I have asked her if she is hearing voices and she always says no more than usual and won't say anymore just not sure what to do I'm concerned if I contact her mental health worker she won't trust me anymore and she doesn't have anyone else any advice would be greatly appreciated
5 Replies 5

pipsy
Community Member
Dear Ladersconfuseme. My name is Lynda. Before I answer, can I ask about the name you have given? I'm intrigued by it. Good on you for writing in and asking for help. About your friend, does she have family close by you could ask for help. It sounds as though she's definitely decided not to continue with medication. I would contact her mental health worker, your friend needs help, now. When someone has schizophrenia, they need constant medication, also a good network of support. Obviously you also need support on this matter. We have a lady who has the same problem here and she's alone too. By contacting her mental health worker, you are helping your friend, more so than leaving her to her own devices. Schizophrenia is not just about hearing voices, quite often they believe they receive messages from media instructing them to check up on other people, animals, birds etc. I think what's happened is she possibly has stopped taking her medication believing something may happen as a result of taking it. When they are not monitored regularly, this is when they fall into the same situation as your friend. It's possible your friend might not remember these episodes, once she has resumed her medication. Get some help for her. Also, unless she asks you, I wouldn't remind her about this episode. It could embarrass her.

Hi thanks for your response my real name is Jael my user name is just a gaming tag that I use.

Yeah she is definitely off her meds and refuses it now she said it's too risky to take it because it makes her brain weak and easier to be controlled I think your right about the media because she won't watch tv and hardly touches her phone pretty much just reads books and walks a lot but will never tell anyone where she goes I'm trying to find out who her mental health worker is but she won't tell me she seems really out of touch with reality tonight so I'm going to stick with her tonight not sure what to do if it gets worse

Hi Jael. It's possible she won't tell you her mental health worker because, in her mind, she's suspicious. This is another aspect of her illness. Have you any idea who her Dr is? Is there a way you could find out who her Dr is? I would contact her Dr and tell him what the situation is. You may have to do a bit of prying here. Normally I wouldn't recommend that, but you need to get her help before she hurts herself or someone else. Does she have family that you're aware of. Contact them if you can, the more help you can get, the easier on you. Do you have a mental health department near you, this is another area you could get help.

If she gets violent, this could be because she's scared. I'm not saying she will, but with her sickness, be prepared for anything. Don't call the police, this will make things worse. If she does get violent, definitely call an ambulance, tell them the situation, be guided by them. Hopefully this won't happen.

I agree with Pipsy on this one. She needs help ASAP. I have lived with someone with Schizophrenia before and it is so unpredictable. My friends strength was amazing when she was going through a bad time. She would get a message via TV or other media that someone had done something to her and would act on it by hurting them.  It was like she was a totally different person and didn't comprehend the things she usually did. It is part of the illness to not take the medication and believe it is doing more harm than good. She was always trying to get out of taking it but she would have to go in to the hospital to have her medication at set times/dates and if she didn't she would end up getting re admitted. It is such a terrible illness and must be really hard for you to see her going through this. I know you are worried about losing her friendship and trust but it's so important that she gets help. Hopefully when she is feeling better she will understand or possibly even forget about it. Best of luck to you.

Carmela
Blue Voices Member
Hi Jael, I agree with all the advice you have received thus far on this post. It is important to keep reminding your friend that you are there for her and care. The reminder will be a safe place she can rest her mind knowing that you are around to look out for her. You show great courage and compassion to take on this carer role Jael. All the best. Carmela