Current Events > Okay legitimate topic in need of actual advice.

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So one of my closest friends in my college days is currently spiraling in her schizophrenia and has been basically traveling the country homeless, with nothing but a phone and a little bit of clothes.

based on her Instagram story shes like 20 minutes away From me right now having a psychotic breakdown screaming at people. I dont know what to do.

Part of me wants to go find her, the other part of me knows Im not in a place to be of any actual help and worries that me seeing her today would cause her to further spiral (she has blamed me for her schizophrenia which is why our relationship has been strained)

I genuinely dont know what to do here

From my experience, those people dont want to be helped until they reach out.

Are drugs involved?

Are you thinking youre gonna hook up?

I dont suggest you go if any of those are possibilities

gamepimp12 posted...

she has blamed me for her schizophrenia

Bro that's fucking wild, stay away from her for your own good

unfortunately, I feel like it's one of those things that have no good answers.

like, even calling the police has its risks since they can hurt her. and other friends and/or family can also trigger an episode.

but also not doing anything could lead to her being hurt or worse.

I think you just have to do what you feel would help the most/do the least harm.

Hi. Had a parent with schizophrenia. All I can offer you is advice based on how far you wish to help? In the younger years they are prone to violent behaviour and can lash out. However, they are more often victims of violence. With that said, only based on what you said.

As you said breakdown, this means she is having an episode. Her audio hallucination is messing up with her mind. Trust at this point with external people is all time low. At this point, you would need to convince her thorough actions that you are going to be helpful. Do not try to convince her with words. At this point, her other voices may derail it. If she doesn't mention the voices she hears. Do not ask. Always ask confirmation type questions when with her. Such as, do you feel safe where we are. Can you confirm it is just us or if others in the room. What are her feelings right now etc.

Second, the medication for the condition. They have heavy side effects. If her breakdown is severe. She'll need them. Nothing you say will get her out of the psychosis. She won't be reasoned with and it's not something in her control. Control and confirmation of real take years to learn. This is a condition that requires patience and attention. If you help her, there's also a high chance she forms a bond to you that causes an episode down the line. I'm not saying this to scare you but it's the reality of the situation.

Feel free to pm for more. I spent a good 15 years with my parent on it. Spoken to many nurses, doctors, professionals. I still keep up with the latest research.

Thats for the advice.

I think its best I dont do anything.

Considering how much she blames me, going to find her could probably trigger her more and thats the last thing I wanna do.

gamepimp12 posted...

Thats for the advice.

I think its best I dont do anything.

Considering how much she blames me, going to find her could probably trigger her more and thats the last thing I wanna do.

That's really up to you and it's a personal choice. If you can live with your answer, that's all there is to it.

You won't trigger her more than she is already but it will take many forms of support to make her whole again. It's a condition one can live with but it's not like anything most will deal with. Professionals have a hard time.

I wish her the best and hope she gets the support she needs.. It's a hard life.

I honestly don't think there's much you can do.

The best thing you can do if you really want to help is probably just to put her up in a motel for a night or two while you contact your local hospital and tell them what's going on, where she is, and that she, in all likelihood needs to be taken in on a psych hold if you believe she's going to harm herself or others.

Even just telling the hospital about her and asking if they might be able to do anything without any contact with her could help.

I just dont know how I can help her if she actively doesnt want to see me.

gamepimp12 posted...

I just dont know how I can help her if she actively doesnt want to see me.

sometimes you cant help people, and sometimes you arent the one who can. She needs professional help. And if she blames you for it, well, it definitely wont help

Look up if your city has a mental health response unit.

They're not everywhere, but it sends out social workers or people trained in this sort of thing instead of cops.

Otherwise there's honestly not a lot you can do.

Try to help your friend and if it's beyond your capacity, call in a professional