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Original poster

Life after teen psychosis diagnose

18 replies

blackcandle · 31/08/2023 22:51

My daughter had her first episode when she was 14 and a relapse a year later (due to not taking med) then had a 2 years gap before the 3rd episode after months of stress. Of course I m worried about her future. Her education has been disrupted terribly.
I really want to know how other adults manage their life after their teen psychosis. How others manage their education, employment and independent adult life? How do you monitor yourself, stress level and extreme emotion etc?

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Original poster
blackcandle · 01/09/2023 07:19

Simply put I just want to know how others manage life with psychosis.

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neveradullmoment99 · 01/09/2023 07:30

My brother has had schizophrenia all his young adult life. Not sure if it's the same thing but he lives with psychosis daily despite meds. He is now 56. Its been hard for everyone. He has not taken his meds and has been severely depressed and on a number of occasions has tried to take his own life. I feel early intervention and more help from the psychiatrist early on would have helped. Maybe back then they didn't know what to do with him, maybe there are better treatments now?
I think early intervention before it took hold might have helped.
He's not had a good life. My mum has struggled with him all her life. H
The medication is not a magic pill that takes it away. Its maybe not the same for everyone. Try and get her help as much as you can.
I really wish you and your daughter well.

HeidiWhole · 01/09/2023 07:41

@blackcandle I'm sorry you and your DD are going through this...it's extremely difficult. There might not be too many on here with relevant experience so if you use Facebook I encourage you to join the private group called Parenting Mental Health. All the parents there have been through similar and can offer real support and advice.

neveradullmoment99 · 01/09/2023 08:03

HeidiWhole · 01/09/2023 07:41

@blackcandle I'm sorry you and your DD are going through this...it's extremely difficult. There might not be too many on here with relevant experience so if you use Facebook I encourage you to join the private group called Parenting Mental Health. All the parents there have been through similar and can offer real support and advice.

That's also really good advice. You need support too.

HealthConcern · 02/09/2023 13:35

My cousin (now in his 50s) has been diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teen/ young adult. As far as I know he has been on medication all his life. He is doing well, working as a gardener and living a good life. I'm assuming the key for him was to choose a career he loves and that he can do without too much pressure, expectations, stress.

Wishing you and your DD the best of luck

Namechange600 · 02/09/2023 14:06

I’m sorry you and your daughter have had such a hard time. I have several family members with psychosis / schizophrenia/ depression and it is very difficult at times.
my observations (and very much as a layperson) I think they also have quite marked neurodivergence (ASD and ADHD possibly dyslexia as well). Low level stress jobs are better in an area they have strong interest. Being really careful to live a healthy life with good food, vitamin supplements, exercise, adequate sleep, routine, including getting lots daylight. Ensuring they learn how to regulate feelings and manage stress. One family member was advised not to travel long haul changing lots of time zones. I’d go further and say living independently but near parents/someone who can keep an eye for signs of an episode including not washing and poor self care eg not taking meds. Best of luck with your daughter - you sound like a wonderful mum xx

Original poster
blackcandle · 03/09/2023 10:31

Many thanks ladies, your posts have given me some hope. She is a very bright girl. For the last a couple of years it has been horrendous to try to find a suitable education setting for her.

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Original poster
blackcandle · 03/09/2023 11:35

Hope this thread is also helping others in a similar position as us. It s good to know there is a hope although the journey a like roller coaster. Internet information is so confusing.

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Original poster
blackcandle · 03/09/2023 13:20

To honestly I m exhausted. I used to think that by the time she s 18 I would be free to have some rest and freedom. Never would I expect to have to put up with this illness.

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Original poster
blackcandle · 03/09/2023 16:22

@Enterthewolves thanks for the link. Just watched it. Very interesting.

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Enterthewolves · 03/09/2023 16:43

You are welcome- it must be impossibly hard.

Original poster
blackcandle · 03/09/2023 17:09

The programme didn’t tell much about the struggle that the family members have to cope and live with the affected person. For me after dd came out of the hospital that was just the end of a beginning of roller coaster journey. Often walking on egg shells especially when medication needs adjusting or when she doesn’t go to bed before 10pm. Keep giving and giving and giving………….

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Stomacharmeleon · 03/09/2023 18:16

I wrote at length on here nearly ten years ago about my son, his psychosis, very early diagnosis of schizophrenia and long stay in a forensic psych unit.
He is in his twenties now. He has a degree and a full time job. He lives independently. We do have up and downs... he sometimes goes off radar and tells me he is better and doesn't need his meds but all in all he is doing well. I agree with the 'whole family living with diagnosis' He has two younger brothers and has been, at times, terrifying. We all walk on eggshells. He also has HFA and adhd as does my youngest.
I feel for both of them the parenting never really stops. For different reasons but still.
I wish you well and if you need anything or a chat then message me :)

Original poster
blackcandle · 03/09/2023 19:39

@Stomacharmeleon thanks for your lovely offer. Was your son’s education disrupted for a long time? My dd also has been diagnosed of ASD while she was in hospital but it does seem to affect her socialising with other young people. She seems good at making friends.
I found the more difficult thing is the fact that she keeps pushing me away yet I m the person she needs the most.

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Stomacharmeleon · 03/09/2023 23:01

@blackcandle he was in hospital for nearly three years and was attending an sen school prior and post hospital. He then attended a mainstream sixth form. He had a statement now ehcp and had an early diagnosis of asd (3) He had very intermittent education whilst sectioned but once he enjoys something (art) he focuses.
I know it's hurtful at times but they do lash out at the closest to them as we are 'safe' to them. My DS has friends but finds it all exhausting. They can just 'be' with us warts and all.

Original poster
blackcandle · 04/09/2023 07:53

@Stomacharmeleon 3 years hospitalisation sounds painfully long. It must be very worrying for you at the time. I believe his education delayed for a few years. Finding my dd a right education setting is very challenging indeed.

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Original poster
blackcandle · 04/09/2023 08:41

I can’t imagine my dd can work in a place requiring a lot of people skills and dealing with daily colleagues politics. She is ok with friends but working people is different.

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