Supporting post section

[Thepinkcup]

I really need some support myself. My partner was sectioned earlier this year with psychosis- first episode and no history. We are many months later now and I’m really struggling-he has little ongoing help aside from medication (under the community team but they don’t do anything proactive and he doesn’t engage or contact them) the causes of the psychosis are still there (stress) and starting to build again.

does anyone know of a forum/ facebook groups etc that’s a safe space for families affected by psychosis and supporting recovery?

Your community mental health team should have appointed a key worker to work with and support post section. Are they visiting regularly and keeping an eye on him? You mention meds - is he on a depot injection so that you’re sure he’s taking them? My son became seriously ill with schizophrenia six years ago - we’ve been through it all! He is currently on a rehab ward and has been for three years. I would say the period after the first section is critical - they need to be alert to possible signs of psychosis reappearing. Also, it’s a big art of psychotic illness that they don’t recognise that they’re ill so carers do need to be alert and need to contact the care co-ordinator if they see signs of relapse. I’m so sorry you’re going through this, it’s really awful to see it happen to people we love. Can I also ask if you have a good escape plan for if things get out of hand? I ask because immediately prior to my son’s second and third sections (both at Christmas) things got a bit hairy. You need to be ready to call the police if they are any threats of violence or you feel unsafe. People suffering in this way have no concept of the effects of their behaviour, can’t help it and don’t always respond to reason. Keep yourself safe.

I really appreciate your response! Yes he is under the first psychosis team, however, he’s not asking them for anything and they aren’t doing anything more than a monthly check in during which he tells them all is fine.

he’s taking anti psychotics in tablet form and I don’t currently have any concerns about him not taking them.

I am concerned about Xmas- the attempts to make it less stressful have gone very wrong resulting in him thinking I’m controlling it all and family have been really difficult. He’s lost a bit of weight again and looks very lost and is very quiet. I am basically counting on the anti P’s keeping him out of psychosis and trying to deal with his sadness. But I never know what to do and am very stressed and angry myself.

I’m sorry to hear about by your son. It sounds immensely stressful. I already feel like I am close to exploding from the stress as we have young children and busy jobs.

I see. It’s really difficult, particularly if he’s already expressing thoughts about you taking over BUT, I would advise getting in contact with your care coordinator now to maybe do a med check / check in. If you tell them your concerns they should respond, after all it’s in everyone’s interest that your partner doesn’t relapse. They don’t have to tell him that you’ve facilitated the visit. As carers we see much more than them and they should be talking to you as well. I wish you all the best, it’s really hard but worth it when they turn the corner. Our boy is coming home to us for Christmas, full of enthusiasm and looking forward to spending time with us as a family. I can’t tell you what a change that is!

Just to add. Caring is really, really tough in these situations as the nature of their illness makes them oblivious and selfish. I have had a lot of therapy to deal with what happened to us. We basically waved our happy, talented boy off to university and he came back severely mentally ill 18 months later. It took a police incident to get him any help and he’s been sectioned on and off now for 6 years. He is only now approaching stability, on a rehab ward and well established on his meds. As I recall the initial meds were very strong and altering and he was very different for a long while. I can’t even imagine how difficult that must be for you with children to look after as well. You must must must make time for yourself and make sure you get some kind of rest otherwise you’ll wear yourself out. Is there anyone around who can help you and give you some respite?

Thank you. I have useful supportive family but his are a nightmare- controlling, narcissistic, overly focused on tiny details, don’t listen and therefore understand anything about his illness. It’s been a real challenge.
My mum is taking me on a short break over Xmas. I’m also having therapy. I swing between angry and resentful to my heartbroken remembering him being sectioned and dragged into an ambulance. It really is a tough life.

what kind of therapy have you found the most helpful? I’m having CBT. We’re on the waiting list for family therapy focused around psychosis