Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Duncanpup

(13,738 posts)
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 05:23 AM Aug 2024

Found out an old friend has developed schizophrenia.

On my home from work yesterday i stopped at grocery store and ran into my friends wife. We lost contact after a teamster outfit we drove for went under back in 04 he took a job with a union sister company they moved Midwest. And now they have moved back to this area as her mother is getting on in years to be closer to her.

And she told me about his illness thing is he’s 55 and i always kind of thought it showed up at earlier age ,and then in reading last night in bed it’s called or they call it late in life schizophrenia.


I asked her if i could stop around and visit with him yes she told me he would like that. I gather the medication is helping from what she told me yet no more holding a steering wheel driving truck he took his pension.

For years we ran south Portland bid get to terminal get in cab go hotel to rest. Then get up and come home we would go eat breakfast together in Portland Maine and then stop at a place on way home up In Newburgh New York called Stewart's airport diner to eat next night.


Joking crossing the beacon bridge i could taste the chili that Stewart’s served. Just feel bad her and my friend rambling been working lot overtime sitting on back porch with Dunc pup I’m having coffee.

Mr Dunc has to grab every morning his favorite toy a squeak lamb that has no stuffing left or squeaker. This morning rubbing him on porch he was laying with me and lamb. I told him i said you’re like Karl Malden don’t leave home without them with his lamb.

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Found out an old friend has developed schizophrenia. (Original Post) Duncanpup Aug 2024 OP
I had no idea. redwitch Aug 2024 #1
One of my... 2naSalit Aug 2024 #2
What a devastating diagnosis Easterncedar Aug 2024 #3
I'll bet your old friend will be glad to see you SheltieLover Aug 2024 #4
Good for you. Most friends go missing when pshyc multigraincracker Aug 2024 #5
I hope you will stop by and see your friend. Lots of friends don't come around japple Aug 2024 #6
Hugs to you and your sister Duncanpup Aug 2024 #7
I've never heard of 'late in life schizophrenia' either. 70sEraVet Aug 2024 #8
Wow, I had no idea there was such a thing as late in life schizophrenia. Diamond_Dog Aug 2024 #9
My daughter was diagnosed several years ago. lageorgia Aug 2024 #10
Hugs to you and daughter Duncanpup Aug 2024 #11
I am so sorry. Loryn Aug 2024 #13
Without detail Lulu KC Aug 2024 #14
Duncanpup, you are a star. rockbluff botanist Aug 2024 #12

redwitch

(15,084 posts)
1. I had no idea.
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 05:36 AM
Aug 2024

I also thought it only showed up in teens. I hope the medication works for your friend.

2naSalit

(93,098 posts)
2. One of my...
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 05:55 AM
Aug 2024

Younger siblings had it but it set in when they were in their late teens. I learned about late onset schizophrenia a few years ago when someone I knew was diagnosed. The drugs are far better now than they were a couple decades ago when my sibling was suffering with it. They passed at the age of 40.

It's a hard illness to deal with for both the person who has it and those who care for them.

I hope your friend is doing better with medication.

Easterncedar

(3,614 posts)
3. What a devastating diagnosis
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 06:02 AM
Aug 2024

It must be so frightening and isolating for both of them, and then she’s got her mother, too, to be concerned for.
I bet she was glad to run into you.

japple

(10,368 posts)
6. I hope you will stop by and see your friend. Lots of friends don't come around
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 06:52 AM
Aug 2024

anymore when someone is sick. My dear sister is in cognitive decline and her friends have dwindled away.

Duncanpup

(13,738 posts)
7. Hugs to you and your sister
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 07:03 AM
Aug 2024

Yes I’m gonna stop around this week bring them dinner will all eat together

70sEraVet

(4,196 posts)
8. I've never heard of 'late in life schizophrenia' either.
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 07:33 AM
Aug 2024

But it seems like life is full of ways to screw us out of enjoying our promised 'golden years'.
I hope your friend does well.

Diamond_Dog

(34,991 posts)
9. Wow, I had no idea there was such a thing as late in life schizophrenia.
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 07:57 AM
Aug 2024

Good for you going to visit him. Many times people are afraid or overly intimidated to visit an old friend who’s struggling with mental issues. You will make him happy I’m sure with your memories and jokes. 🙂

Give Dunkie an extra scritch for me.

lageorgia

(3 posts)
10. My daughter was diagnosed several years ago.
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 08:03 AM
Aug 2024

My daughter, who is now on the streets homeless, was diagnosed several years ago. She is paranoid that I am reading her mind so she won't move in with me and chooses to be on the streets. She has lost everything including her health insurance. She refuses to take any medications to help and after spending tens of thousands out of pocket to get her help, she is now refusing all help. It is a nightmare that never goes away. I would do anything to help her but she won't even let me know where she is. Stay in contact with your friend, just being there will help him.

My child was in their mid 30s when diagnosed.

Lulu KC

(4,691 posts)
14. Without detail
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 01:41 PM
Aug 2024

Let me say, you are not alone.
Extremely painful.
Doing all you can for your child and being unable to help is a very deep and dark pain.
I send you the best.

rockbluff botanist

(360 posts)
12. Duncanpup, you are a star.
Sun Aug 25, 2024, 08:11 AM
Aug 2024

I think people naturally gravitate to you. Seeing your friend will do you both a world of good.

Your writing always makes me feel better and I very much look forward to your rambles.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Mental Health Support»Found out an old friend h...