Hi I am 30 years old and my husband who is 34 has been diagnosed wit schizophrenia. He was diagnosed about 3 years ago. He spents 40 days in a mental hospital. He thinks people follow him aorund and are drugging him. He refuses to take medication anymore because he thinks it is drugged.He constantly buys food only fresh because he thinks someone will tamper with it. he also carries his jug of water everywhere with him because he so paranoid. He isnt danerous however he is consumed with all his thoughts. he says the voices are loud and cause him a headace. A few months ago I left him because I cant deal with it anymore. I feel bad however I feel like theres nothing more I can do, he refuses help. He has parents and sisters that are there for him but i feel like i need to walk away because its nothealthy., we also hav a 3 year old and I wonder the way he talks how it will affect our son because he is learning a lot at this age. I dont know what todo. I tried to get him hospitalized again but they wont because he isnt a danger to himself or others,, I just dont get it....
Hi there, Kiki, and thank you for writing so frankly about your husband's health and seeking answers. I have to tell you though, if he is refusing help...there isn't much you can do. My sister-in-law's ex suffered terribly from delusions and many fears of terrible things about to happen. People with paranoid schizophrenia often "believe" people are out to do them harm...even people they have never met. For the sake of your child...I would separate yourself from him but leave him with "options". The options, of course, include him getting help and staying in therapy along with medication. He just is thinking like so many people in his situation. He cannot help it....really and truly. He doesn't know any better because his mental state is being affected by his chemistry. If he got help and stayed in therapy....he really would feel better. Forty days in hospital isn't very long to get him under control and feeling better. Some people spend months and months in the hospital and are monitored very carefully.
I can appreciate that you don't get it, too. He isn't a danger to himself and he looks like he can take care of himself, therefore, nothing can be forced on him. When was the last time you talked with him about "marriage" counseling so that at least you two get to talk in front of someone who is a professional??? At the very least, another medical professional who has "both" of your interests in mind might be more appealing to him and also less threatening. Perhaps this would give you the chance to sit with him and talk it through under the guidance of a professional. What do you think??? Would your husband go for something like that???