Ask Anything Monday: Have a question you feel too apprehensive to ask?

[patientpatient]

I'm in a different context but can definitely relate to the question. I think the source of the feeling is that, while acknowledging the illness, we still don't fully accept it. Part of us thinks (or hopes) that the person can "do better" or "snap out of it". The solution may be to read more about the illness, medications and effects. If the resentment gets too strong, have a break or talk to a psychologist. Sometimes you may be the only person who is making that effort and it's worth persevering.

[perseverer]

I have a question. Is anyone aware of any long term studies of people who have lived with schizophrenia for many years? I am interested to know what long term outcomes are.

[Faith-and-Hope]

@Former-Member ..... I found your answer so comprehensive .... I think it says everything I would like to say, except perhaps this ....

I have a daughter with an intellectual, and some physical disabilities who is in her mid-20's.  I have been a carer for her long before my hubby's mi defined itself as disturbingly as it did.  This has thrown me into being the carer for all my family, and the worst of it when they won't do the simple things I need from them to keep the household operational .... the most simple basic things, and circumstantial depr session seems to leave them leaden .... add my D2 being bright enough to be fully attitudinal and jealous of her siblings abilities, and it's frustrating to its core ....

One of my solutions to the emotional quagmire has been to stop and imagine that I were a paid carer for  all of these people whom I love, and it can actually change your focus quite dramatically.  As an "employee of the household", I have the right to remain far more emotionally neutral and objective in terms of everyone's behaviour.  It helps you to switch into the sort of mind set you have dealing with the "terrible two's" stage of babysitting someone else's 2yo .... they are ultimately not your responsibility beyond taking all reasonable precaution to keep them safe, and offer opportunity to keep them cheerful if they will engage .... otherwise it's just getting on with the job in all other aspects and not expecting miracles.

That is not intended to sound patronising .... rather simply pragmatic .... a 2yo is defined by their immaturity and you need to respect that .... a disability or mi has its own limitations and boundaries which may or may not be transitional or temporary.   

An employee has th commission to remain polite under all circumstances, and this, in my experience, is the ultimate shield .... if you apply the self-commison of being as polite as you can towards the one you are caring for, again, it can relieve the emotional responsibility of accepting bad or uncaring behaviours in them.

I hope that makes sense, and I hope it helps ....

[Faith-and-Hope]

Belated "hi" @perseverer .... have we met ?

[Shaz51]

Hello and welcome to the forum

Learning more about your sister`s MI

with my husband who has MI , I have learnt that his goes around in cycles

we can not have too many social things on , I have cancelled so many at the last minute

 learn when her best times are , can you leave suggestions with her , it takes time , I have found it hard at times but if you notice these things in her daily living

[patientpatient]

Hello @perseverer

---

@perseverer wrote:

I have a question. Is anyone aware of any long term studies of people who have lived with schizophrenia for many years? I am interested to know what long term outcomes are.

---

The Course of Schizophrenia (from Surviving Schizophrenia, E Fuller Torrey)

10 years later 

Completely recovered: 25%
Much improved, relatively independent: 25%
Improved but requiring extensive support network: 25%
Hospitalised, unimproved: 15%
Deceased: 10%

30 years later

Completely recovered: 25%
Much improved, relatively independent: 35%
Improved but requiring extensive support network: 15%
Hospitalised, unimproved: 10%
Deceased: 15%

"Those who recover ... do so within the first two years of illness and usually have no more than two discrete episodes of illness."

There's a 12-page section in the book, with an explanation of these figures. They are based on studies by J.H.Stephens. I couldn't find anything comprehensible online.

[perseverer]

Hi @Faith-and-Hope, we have met now!

[perseverer]

Thank you so much, @patientpatient, I will buy that book and read it. Those are very encouraging figures indeed!

[Hope2017]

Does anyone know If anyone who was admitted to Parkview Macquarie hospital and got great treatment and support was great. I have a brother suffering from schizophrenia and he may get admitted there. We are hoping that things would improve.

[Faith-and-Hope]

Hi @Hope2017 .... 😊💕

Welcome to the forums ....

I don't have the answer to your question, but wanted to acknowledge your post so you know you're being heard .... others will have picked it up to, but if they don't know this hospital they won't have responded.

Hopefully someone has been there and will speak up soon .... I am sure you are feeling very nervous for your brother and unsure what to expect.  Perhaps call the Helpline -

SANE helpline
Talk to a mental health professional (weekdays, 9am-5pm AEST).

 1800 18 7263

You can talk about your concerns and what you might expect from your brother going to hospital.

Take care

F&H