My Son has a Mental Illness. What extra can I do to help him!

[RuthlRobinson]

He was 17 when it started. He's now 20. He was just getting popular at school when this started happening. We are all trying to be so supportive. He has 5 sisters, he's the only boy, how hard is that? But now he's mad about it and taking it out on us. He's taking his shots, but still angry! It's very hard for us. He inherited this from his fathers side, his fathers brother has it and spends most of his life in and out of jail. I don't want this for my son. He's so creative. Has great ideas on so many things. He's getting to the point where he thinks he doesn't need the shots. I don't want nothing to happen to him. His psychiatrist just want him to stay on his Med's. And now he doesn't want to see the psychiatrist. People treat people with this illness so bad, with out understanding it. Someone give me advice, if you can on this. Only if you have been through something similar. Thanks

[1diamond]

You must take control of his medication before he stops taking them without your knowledge. You also must take him to his therapy sessions to absolutely ensure he attends. This is the only thing you can do otherwise he will get worse. I don't want to worry or scare you but trust me on this I really do know what I am talking about. I am not a qualified therapist but I have studied mental health for a long time! What you are saying is a familiar story of rapid decline!

[RuthlRobinson]

Thanks. Yes, it's is true what you are saying, I've seen declining also in so many people. But that's not going to happen, In Jesus name! I do take charge of his med's and his doctor visits. I had to put a little scare in him to keep him taking his meds! Whatever it takes right! But when he leaves home on his own, I just pray he excepts this and take care of hisself! Again Thanks!

[1diamond]

That's OK. I am sure he will and yourself of course get through this! I just made those points as a safety precaution as so many people with mental illness stop taking meds etc and think they are getting better when they are not. I didn't want that to happen for you and your son. Best of luck try and let us know how it goes :)

[Anonymous]

What mental illness does he have?

My boyfriend and mom have depression and anxiety and at one point I came down with anxiety. You need to be supportive, encourage him. Take him to a psychologist, maybe even a different psychologist. Medication is one way to deal with a mental illness but there may be other resources too, like talking about his feelings, exercise, mental relaxation.

[RuthlRobinson]

Thanks. Schizophrenia! His pride is to high for all the things that they say they go through. Thank God for that. He does not feel down on his self at all. Yes, I do need to change his doctor, I'm begging him to go to support groups, maybe, he will soon! Sorry to hear about you situation, I'll be praying for yall, also! Again, Thanks.

[Anonymous]

try to find some boys his age to hang out with and do manly things with him even if you don't like it.

it might not seem like much but not all men feel like men because of how they are treated or told what they can and can't do. I don't just mean telling them they can't get upset but that they can't play sports or can't play violent video games stuff that boys/men enjoy doing.

[RuthlRobinson]

Thanks. Most of his friends are in college, going on with their careers, and in jail! I'm trying to encourage him to go to college and get out the house, a job or something. To met other people and live! everyone has something to go through, he has to learn to manage it, learn to deal with it, until it is taken away! Or not! But you can't stop living.

[Opinion Owner]

very true. I hope it's a type of mental illness that can go away or at least have less of an effect than it currently does.

[yaddayaddayadda02]

This is probably not the best site to get advice for that kind of issue. I would look for support forums specifically for his illness.

[RuthlRobinson]

Thanks, I'm trying to find more support groups, and trying to tell him to go, with or without us!

[Anonymous]

Try going to a support group of some sort that can provide REAL info.

Most people on this site don't even know how to change their underwear on time.Youre asking a bunch of kids a very serious question. Outside networks would be more helpful.Ask a doc or others in a similar situation.

[MyNameIsJonas]

What is his illness > ?

[Anonymous]

it, it, it, what is it? Taking shots for what?