I had therapy today and my husband went. We were there to deal with some issues I had last week but also to talk about how we can work together better. I am just now willing to fully commit to the schizophrenia diagnosis but he still doesn’t want to accept it. However, not label it means he’s not learning about it and my symptoms are just confusing to him.
Today he asked, “Well what do you call a conversation that goes from one topic to another and is very one sided but never gets anywhere?”
To which my therapist said, “Schizophrenia.”
I felt validated but I struggle so much with tangents when I talk. I am working on coping mechanism and tonight we talked about being able to better have relationship discussions.
I just don’t know if understanding symptoms is going to help him with all of this or make things seem too overwhelming. I know I’ll be better if he leaves than if he stays and isnt able to be supportive. The stress of working with hi. Is counter productive to controlling my stress and coping.
I just don’t want the marriage to end over my illness. I mean I’m a pretty cool person (as are most people) and I think I’m worth some extra “work” to be with.
Ok. Very emotional post over. Thank you for the space to get it out. I don’t feel comfortable saying this to people who know me irl yet.
@Alice, I think you are being honest and real and we can appreciate that. You have some very real concerns and it’s only natural that you would be fearful in a situation such as this.
Hugs. My husband had a hard time at first understanding my condition. It helped him to read books on the subject. If your husband likes books, Surviving Schizophrenia does a great job of explaining symptoms. If he likes podcasts, there’s one called “A bipolar, a schizophrenic, and a podcast” that is very good. That one also has a series of blog posts.
Me too. When we disagree, it’s very hard for me to stay on topic. I need him to slow down more than others may need. I also need him to draw attention to the fact that I’m off topic so I can come back. Right now, it just annoys him.
I find I have to close my eyes, turn off things like the radio or TV, and really focus on what the other person is saying in order to stay on-topic. Otherwise, I get lost. I can’t tell you how often I have to ask my husband to repeat something or how often I interrupt him.
I hope the podcast you’re going to show him helps, without him freaking out and leaving. My husband accepts my diagnosis and he treats me really well. I wasn’t diagnosed until after I married him. So my hope for you is that your husband turns out to be like mine.