Mental Health Support
Related: About this forumFound 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 hes 55 and i always kind of thought it showed up at earlier age ,and then in reading last night in bed its 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 Stewarts served. Just feel bad her and my friend rambling been working lot overtime sitting on back porch with Dunc pup Im 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 youre like Karl Malden dont leave home without them with his lamb.
redwitch
(15,084 posts)I also thought it only showed up in teens. I hope the medication works for your friend.
2naSalit
(93,098 posts)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)It must be so frightening and isolating for both of them, and then shes got her mother, too, to be concerned for.
I bet she was glad to run into you.
SheltieLover
(59,811 posts)multigraincracker
(34,203 posts)Problems pop up.
japple
(10,368 posts)anymore when someone is sick. My dear sister is in cognitive decline and her friends have dwindled away.
Duncanpup
(13,738 posts)Yes Im gonna stop around this week bring them dinner will all eat together
70sEraVet
(4,196 posts)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)Good for you going to visit him. Many times people are afraid or overly intimidated to visit an old friend whos struggling with mental issues. You will make him happy Im sure with your memories and jokes. 🙂
Give Dunkie an extra scritch for me.
lageorgia
(3 posts)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.
Duncanpup
(13,738 posts)Loryn
(996 posts)Life can be so cruel. I live with the hope that someday we will understand why.
Lulu KC
(4,691 posts)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)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.