My sister became severely mentally ill few months ago, she is about the same age when my father was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia with auditory and visual hallucinations and severe paranoia. My sister has the same symptoms.
Were very close. She moved to my place 2 years ago when she suddenly quit her school and stopped taking care of herself. I didnt realise what was going on until the symptoms became obvious and she openly started talking about the "organization" that was after us and the messages she had been getting from tv. I called the ambulance when she refused to eat and drink because she was afraid of being poisoned and they took her to psych ward. Shes been there 6 months. Its been really hard. She comes to visit on weekends and the medication seems to work but there are times when she starts to spiral back to another world, and it feels like a 10 ton weight crushing every time.
When she was taken to the psych ward i went to see her first time after they let me i almost fainted from being so nervous, and when i saw her... she was not herself, most likely due to the hard medication. I first felt extremely guilty since i called the ambulance and had betrayed her in some way and made things worse for her. I dont feel that way anymore.
I used to think myself as a strong person but realised how weak i really am.
Ive had periods of deppression, panic attacks and really shitty memories have surfaced from when my father became ill. Ive gotten myself into dept and dropped out of school. I feel a lot better lately tho, especially since my sister is developing well and is getting out soon to her own place nearby. Ill visit her often.
I went to see my father few weeks ago and told him about her situation. He didnt really react, but its understandable since hes been on anti psychotic medication for the past 15 years.
I understand this much harder on my sister and father than me though, and things could always be worse, her doctor is quite optimistic with her development.
