Hey, doing this as I know there must be other parents and guardians in similar situations and I know how lonely and scary it can be. Not to mention devastating for all concerned.
My son has developed normally and was healthy, with an active and large group of friends before his psychotic break at 24 - 6 years ago. He worked in a specialist area of IT and was head hunted by some very big companies. He was my rock and was my first born. His younger brother (6 year age difference) massively looked up to him and they often went away together.
His break down came out of nowhere for us, no real warning signs in his calls and messages to us in the months leading up to it.
since his psychotic break we’ve had to fight for treatment.
He doesn’t think he’s ill.
He’s classed as an acute case and high functioning so can mask quite well for some time.
He’s on a depo as won’t take tablets (says he will but it always fails).
none of the medications in 6 years have provided stability for him.
He hears voices but denys it (it’s obvious when you hear him talking to himself and his mannerisms).
He has many physical and mental hallucinations and paronia.
I’ve had to demand and push for a community treatment order for him when he’s not sectioned.
he’s been sectioned for pretty much 3 years now and bounced between 4 acute wards and one acute community home. Back in hospital now.
He regularly goes AWOL from units and is a suicide risk several times a year when his psychosis is too great.
I’ve given up hope of him ever being stable based on feedback from consultants.
I am now fighting for a stable secure community home placement for him.
I don’t know all the correct terms etc. I’m just a single mum doing the best I can whilst also trying to support his younger brother who’s massively impacted by this.
so if you are worried about a friend or relative, wonder what it’s like visiting secure wards, don’t know how to talk to someone in the depths of psychosis etc just ask.
And if you are in similar situation - massive massive squishes.