He’s showing all the signs I had at that age.
He sleeps with the lights on due to demons,
Thinks everyone is watching,
That the neighbour is spying.
That we can hear his thoughts. He paces alot and laughs to himself, but he’s always been a bit weird. Just getting weirder.
He washes his hands so often they are raw,
But he’s not in distress, he’s not isolating, he has a few delusions of grandeur and I can’t bear to bring him back to reality. I want to let him be content and happy. Is that selfish?
But he’s still going to school, getting good marks. He has friends. He’s still writing and drawing, he has a sense of humor and creative talent that I never had.
I’m worried meds would take that away. I really don’t want to see the kid depressed or without hobbies or motivation. I dont want him to go through trial and error with mind altering pills when he’s kind and sweet and happy(most of the time) as he is. I don’t want him to end up like me.
I worried incessantly that my younger siblings would develop sz as well. Plus I even sometimes fear my paranoia might be communicable, or contagious - as though I could teach my (fear) to them. They are past the age of onset now but I worry my niece and nephews could inherit it too.
In the worst scenario, atleast your brother has you for knowledge and support. I agree with others who have said you should get him to a doctor.
My parents are in denial,
It’s a bad situation and hard to explain.
They have so much to deal with already,
They refuse to believe I am sick.
The only reason I have help is because I ended up in hospital after believing I was invincible. My mum is brain damaged. She blamed me for trying to kill myself and refused to talk to me for weeks after. I take myself to appointments.
I’ve brought it up several times and they don’t want to hear it,
My brother doesn’t even know I’m schizophrenic. I don’t live with them anymore. I don’t know how to help,
And I am very scared of what the pills would do to him.
Maybe I can convince him to go on his own.
I think if he ever gets into drugs he’s bound to have a full on psychotic episode. I’m worried about that.
I’m also worried interfering will ruin what little relationship I have left with my family. I wish I knew what to do
It is a risk to talk to your family about your brother, but that is what you need to do. Multiple studies show the earlier the treatment for schizophrenia, the better the outcome. Even if your parents do not want to listen, you can still talk with them. Also talk to your doctor. They are a great resource.
I have brothers, too, and I know how much I love them and would worry if I were in your shoes. I agree with the other posters who have said you need to talk to your parents about this. You say they won’t listen but I think you should at least try. I would also be open and honest with your brother about your experience and what he could be headed for. I really hope he gets the help he needs. Best wishes.
What a beautifully compassionate and insightful post!
I would let him know what you’ve noticed and that you care about him. He may be suffering more than he shows, but that may just mean he needs to know others understand and care.
As always, I recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anyone, but especially for those able to survive without medication.
Thanks everyone xx
I took your advice, talked to my brother for a few hours about everything.
I talked with my parents too.
I’ve convinced him to go and get help, at least with the OCD symptoms, the excessive handwashing and organizing.says it’s bothering him,.the obsessions. He won’t admit to being paranoid, because he’s so sure it’s real. I’m sure a doctor will figure the kid out and hopefully all will be okay