isolated adult daughter with suspected psychosis

@goldieo

Hi there i hear you, this is an extremely challenging situation. I have a sibling with very similar symptoms, behaviours and paranoia. It has been very taxing i also have my own mental health issues. In this situation you can call the police to do a welfare check. It really sux because they lack the insight to their mental health issues and believe they can live homeless until they get in trouble with the law that they have to follow a community health order, that is when they will get the help and hopefully stick to it. Really sorry that you have to go through this, it's not easy. 

Hi @goldieo,

hi again. You could try driving past at night and see if her lights are on. I've been told when they are not in psychosis they do have more awareness about their condition. Your ex husband probably doesn't tell you how she is so you don't get worried. It really sux that you can't intervene as much as you would like. You are right, how can someone get help when they don't know they are sick. It will get to the point where you will have to step back not because you don't care but because you cannot do anything and for your own well-being. Also if you try to intervene in any way and by watching her, it will make her paranoia worse, which you don't want. I would see your GP to get extra support like counselling . Maybe there are local support groups you could join in your area. It's in gods hands.Take care.

@goldieo im so so sorry to hear that you’re going through this, and how alone you feel through it all. I relate to the hopelessness you must feel with trying to get help for someone you love when they aren’t aware of how ill they are. 

I only recently joined this forum as my brother was going through a psychotic episode, and I have found it really helpful in making me feel less alone through what feels like a nightmarish situation. I hope the forum can help you in a similar way, and realizing that there are more people out there that understand than you may think.  

I’m sorry I don’t have much advice to give, but I hope you can be gentle on yourself knowing that you’re doing the best you can in a really tough situation. We’re here for you

@goldieo I just came across your post and I am so sorry that you are going through this.  I understand your concerns as my daughter also has psychosis - although she has been living with me, which was also very stressful and difficult.  I know what it is like to be consumed by concern for a child who is very unwell and feeling helpless to do anything.  It really takes its toll on our mental health and it is so important that you seek support for yourself.  I have, last year, taken advantage of the counselling offered by SANE, which was very helpful.  I have also shared my and my daughter's situation with close friends and family, who have been very kind and supportive.  Talking things through with others can help us see things more clearly.  At least your ex is visiting your daughter - if she won't seek or accept help there is not much that can be done, unless she is a danger to herself or others.  You could ask the police to do a well-being check - of course she will probably not be happy about this.  My daughter was living with me and would not seek help with CATT due to previous hospitalisations and I also felt that I couldn't reach out to the mental health services for fear of her reaction.  Eventually I did contact CATT as I was very concerned about her safety and she has been hospitalised.  When I called the mental health triage service I was able to speak to the duty psychologist about what was happening with my daughter and ask what could be done.  It's very difficult when you don't have access to your daughter to see how she is.  If you can get some support for your own wellbeing and seek professional advice it might be easier to find a way forward with your daughter.

Oh jane

thankyoi so much for your beautiful message 

it made me cry knowing that you seem to really understand what is happening 

yes we have done the cart team and triage too

its just so trsumatic

i feel for you and I’m sure it’s incredibly hard living in the same home

i really hope you do look after yourself and that things get better

you can’t imagine how much your message means to me just knowing there are others out there too

im

so sorry you are going through this 

and again it’s very kind of you to make this effort to send me a message xx

Hi @goldieo 

It is good that you reached out.  It can be so isolating to have a loved one with mental illness and getting support is so important.  It really does help when you know that you are not the only one in this situation.