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my husband now has been dx with schizophrenia as well as depression. how do I handle that?

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Posted 11/8/2013 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone.

Well the last time I posted we had been going thru alot with my husbands depression. Now we have added the schizophrenia with the hallunications both verbal and visual. On top of this we took my 11 year old son in for an assessment on his mental issues yesterday. I feel like I have to be the buffer between my husband and my kids which makes him angry and upset. Told me i need to stay out of the situations.

I don't know how to handle all of this. Now because of his mood swings that go up and down, the therapist that did our assessment for my son states that my 11 year old is suffering from anixety due to stuff that goes on in the house.

Any advice on how to handle things to keep an even balance would be appreciated. My husband is in therapy and on medications too. He is very compliant with his treatment.

Thansk

Posted 11/8/2013 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Take care of yourself first and then make sure you are giving you son the attention and care needed.Make sure your son is not present in any arguments and etc and as C said extracurricular activity would be a good distraction for him.
Posted 11/8/2013 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
rdean,

i don't have children myself, however I would put any children before my husband and make sure they feel save and secure. Skill building activities is a great idea.

It is a good that your husband is so compliant with his meds and that he goes to therapy, hopefully he will take the therapy to heart.

Keep posting we are here to support and listen as best we can.

Peace
Trina
Posted 11/8/2013 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
I've been very open and honest with my kids about my depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They are less scared when they know what is happening and why. My kids are 9 and 7. I sat them down and explained that I get sad for no reason and that because of bad things that happened a long time ago that I get nervous. I told them that it never has anything to do with them, that they always will be more important than anything else in my life. They seem to understand and have adjusted beautifully.

I think some therapy for you wouldn't hurt. It's a great way to sound off your thoughts and plans with a neutral party who understands your husbands illness. It's just as important for you to keep healthy as to keep your family healthy.

Talk to your kids. Don't hide their father's illness because kids know when something is wrong. I agree about not fighting in front of them. Encourage them to begin journaling. It's a great way for them to express themselves. Structure and stability are so important to kids. Keep a schedule, ie dinner at a certain time, homework time etc. You need to stay constant. Things will get better if your husband keeps following his treatment plan.
Posted 11/8/2013 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
My heart hurts for all you're going through. Being the caregiver, you want the best for your husband and son, but like you said, that can make you feel caught in the middle of meeting needs. As others have suggested, maintaining open communication (age-appropriate of course) can help ease a lot of fears and anxiety on everyone's part.

I would imagine that certain things are stress triggers for your husband and as he cooperates with his treatment, you'll see improvement. Does your therapist have any play therapy or childrens' books they'd recommend? Sometimes kids can relate if they can see that others their age have gone through similar things. Either way, your son is going to need help managing his own emotions and being reminded of your love and support. Giving him play breaks at friends' houses might help, or special time with you and your husband doing something fun. I'm sure your therapist has other ideas for easing the anxiety and keeping your life fairly simple right now.
Posted 11/9/2013 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
If you're interested in a nutritional approach to depression, schizophrenia, etc., you'll likely find the following book very good. It provides descriptions of how many have been able to get off of all medications by giving the brain the necessary nutrients. --- All the Best...

Too Good to be True? Nutrients Quiet the Unquiet Brain: A Four Generation Bipolar Odyssey

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Nutrients-Quiet-Unquiet-Brain/dp/0971799008

Post Edited (Wyane) : 11/9/2013 1:57:19 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/10/2013 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Wyane,

welcome to the forum,

You have found a great place to share and vent with people who care and listen to each other.

Peace
Trina
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