Can I get advice please?

[i_am_tbjxii]

My mom has Scizoaffective disorder she been having episodes for a long time. She had episodes once or twice per year from 2012-2021. During these episodes she goes missing for hours, doesn’t talk, act very strange. She took her meds for three years no episodes I would take her to get the injections. She goes through these phases where she feels she doesn’t need medicine and it’s very frustrating. She never accepts she has a problem and things I put her in a mental institution it’s really frustrating because I feel I took on the responsibility as the eldest son. I have a brother he is in college in another state but I feel I’m on my own when comes to these matters with my mom. I’ve come to the reality my mom will never get better and I won’t be able to live not worrying about her. I have a fiancee and she is wondering if I’ll be able to leave my mom eventually. She is putting me in a tough position. If I’m too far from my mom what will happen? I feel she is subconsciously having me chose my mom or her and I’m getting annoyed by it. I want to live my life but I’ll feel terrible if something happen with my mom.

[Anonymous]

This is a question for medical professionals.

[Iron_Man]

@msc545 can you help out here?

[msc545]

Sure. Schizoaffective disorder is a progressive mental disorder that has the characteristics of both Schizophrenia and an Affective Disorder, which means there are disturbances in thinking, perception, and mood. Because the condition is progressive, it usually worsens with age. There is no cure, but it can be controlled to some degree with medication and psychotherapy.

A big problem with treating people who have this condition is they are often unwilling to engage in treatment, that is, unwilling to take medication or to participate in psychotherapy.

Your mom may need to be in a hospital if she is gravely disabled, that is she would be unable to provide for her own food, shelter, or clothing if left on her own. In that case, she would benefit from having a Conservator - a person who has the legal ability to make financial and healthcare decisions for her.

You should NOT have to function as her caretaker. You only have one life, and the time you devote to caring for your mom is much better spent caring for your own needs. Remember that time is the one thing that cannot be replaced, and when you run out of it you are finished. Don't waste it.

Look into getting your Mom a Conservator. If you are unsure how to do this, please DM me.

[Iron_Man]

@msc545 thanks for helping him, my friend

[msc545]

@Iron_Man Thanks for asking me - I am always glad to help!

[Iron_Man]

@msc545 Yes you did good here

[msc545]

thank you!

[Iron_Man]

@msc545 you are very welcome you seem knowledgeable

[msc545]

I should hope so - I do this professionally, so...

[Iron_Man]

@msc545 yes I know

[msc545]

oh right I forgot. My bad sorry.

[Iron_Man]

@msc545 it’s ok

[i_am_tbjxii]

Thanks a lot gentlemen I’ll be sure to dm you

[Iron_Man]

Good

[Iron_Man]

Thank you, my friend for most helpful Award. I wish you the best. Best of luck with your mother. Have you messaged MSC yet?

[i_am_tbjxii]

I did thanks

[i_am_tbjxii]

And no problem

[Iron_Man]

Great