Hi Frecklespeach,
I don't know if you still use this site or not, but if you do it would be good to hear from you. My son (now aged 35 years) was diagnosed with schizophrenia 12 years ago at the age of 23 years, but he had been unwell since the age of 17 years, but undiagnosed. His behaviour at home was so disruptive that I had to ask him to leave and live elsewhere (close by) when he was age 19 years. I keep a close eye on him and speak to him every day and meet up with him at least twice a week. He has been prescribed medication but at one stage he refused to take it, leading to him becoming unwell and being sectioned. He has been sectioned several times now, because stress, and life not going to plan, relationship breakdown and just boredom and everyday life etc send him off kilter. I am his support system and always there for him, but he is an adult and he lives his life the way he wants to live it and does not appreciate any advice and tends to learn from (bad) experiences. He receives money from the benefits system. Here in England its quite a good system and he gets a lot of extra help (a social worker, a support worker and free art classes) and funding because of his condition. But he generally spends all his money in two to three days and refuses to let me be his power of attorney. He also has a love/hate relationship with alcohol and only stops drinking it when his money runs out. He then begs anyone who will listen for money and food. As you say it is very difficult and frustrating for me (as a mother and a carer )obviously !! I'd be interested in hearing your story.

• Flag as offensive