Support for those dealing with mentally ill relatives? - Mental Health Message Board

margaret_doody · 05-09-2006, 07:34 AM

Could anyone tell me what support those living with someone who is mentally ill are entitled to? Don't want to go into details but 'acquaintance' of mine yo yo's between just being slightly vacant, to weeping, to seriously improper thoughts - which she duly imparts to all and sundry, to physically attacking those around her. They receive no support whatsoever barr sending out the PEST team when it gets to the fear of your life stage, and that basically involves doping her up until she can be trusted not to run down the high street in her nightie or grab the kitchen knives

These 'episodes' are increasing in frequency and they're tearing the family apart.

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 05-09-2006, 08:39 AM

It sounds like, if she's that bad, that she needs to be put on an anti-psychotic right away. Hospitalization for a few days to a week to stabilize her and determine which medication would be most effective sounds like a good idea. I'd say that, from your description, that she's either schizophrenic or acutely manic, but probably manic if she's violent, having "highs," and rambling on about thoughts. Are these thoughts of a sexual nature? Manics tend to be hypersexual. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

-GatsbyLuvr1920-

margaret_doody · 05-09-2006, 10:24 AM

Yes the thoughts are of a sexual nature. She had some 'counselling' sessions through a church, i.e with totally unqualified people, and came back convinced she was sexually abused by her father. There's no way of knowing whether this is true or not but her mother has disowned her as she felt the need to share this with the entire family when he died.... She has also accused male members of the family of deleted. She becomes very aggressive when medical intervention is suggested which makes getting help difficult. Obviously being around her is emotionally exhausting and I don't know how to help them.

tramp333 · 06-05-2006, 12:05 AM

Whatever the person suffer's from she's obviously insane to the point of being a danger to herself and other's, wouldn't you say? And as such a threat to public safety, should be evaluated by qualified proffesionals asap! They'll decide which medication will help her, and may even induce her forcibly if nesassary? I know how impossible it can be to get these troubled people to agree to medication? It's imparative she get's her's though so don't allow her to injure someone first, please? She isn't about to get better on her own!

BetsyJean · 06-08-2006, 06:26 PM

Have the person living with the person with the problems contact ****.
(National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)
They have a website that can direct you to a local support group in your area.
Good luck!