my neighbour is schizophrenic.. and is not taking her meds.

huma126 · Newbie Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

hi,

my neighbour has schizophrenia, and apparently hasn't been taking her meds for the past few months. i feel very very uncomfortable at home these days. last night, she was heard screaming from midnight until 6am from her room, in the hallway, slamming her door, etc. this has happened before, and i can never sleep through it. When i exit my building, i walk by her room, and i can sometimes see that her door is just slightly open, and stares at me. sometimes she'll startle me by yelling odd noises. i hate feeling like this at my own home. it's gradually becoming more and more of an issue.

does anyone have any advice for me? i've done a bit of research on schizophrenia, and i understand that she is not likely to commit acts of violence, but i can't help but feel tense everytime i come into my building, or hear someone walk outside my door.

i try to be friendly and say 'hi' to her when i see her. sometimes she'll be friendly and say hi back to me. other times she gives me a blank stare. i guess that depends on her mind state. should i try talking to her? if so, how? somehow i doubt this will have any effect though.

please help.

-huma126

ksf · Supporter Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 254

Do you live in an appt building?
If so maybe you should speak to the landlord about the situation and see if they can offer a solution.
I lived with a paranoid schizophrenic person who often quit taking his meds so I do know some of what you are saying and if you have read up on it you know that some people are paranoid. Some hear voices, etc.
I do not know your neighbor's state of mind but I do not think it would be a good idea to approach them by yourself. Sometimes when they are not taking their meds they tend to lose a grip with reality.
If they are paranoid they may think you have come to harm them in some way so best to speak to the landlord first.
If there is not a landlord to speak to maybe you should call the local police department and ask if they have any contacts that could approach the person in your building so they can get the help they need.

huma126 · Newbie Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

yes, i live in an apartment building. she (person with schizophrenia) actually lives inbetween me and the landlady, who is absolutely terrified of her. she's been trying to kick her out, but she hasn't been able to so far for whatever reason. she said she needs sufficient amount of complaint letters from the residents in order for her to be taken away and taken care of elsewhere. she urged me to write one a while ago. i really don't wanna have to move out of here because of this. i hope this gets resolved.

i suppose i should call the police the next time this happens.

thank you.

if anyone else has any other advice, it'd be highly appreciated.

-scott

ksf · Supporter Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 254

Scott-

You or your landlord might try to contact a social service group.
Most counties have their own agency to take care of mentally handicapped people. Try the yellow pages.

One more comment I would like to make...I live in Indiana and of course all states have different laws, but in this state if someone is found to be harmful to others or to themselves the police will send them to a mental hospital for 48-72 hours (sounds like if your neighbor has quit taking meds they may be harmfull to themslef or others!).

If you know how to contact an agency in your area you may want to call the police department for information on what to do...you should not have to wait until your neighbor does something.

Best of luck to you.

my neighbour is schizophrenic.. and is not taking her meds.

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