I agree such mental health situations, resulting in the parent's heartbreak, are all around us.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, because of the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues, especially in our adult children, such a family crisis remains hidden. Leaving the entire immediate family isolated and alone with their problems - sometimes unsolvable - in their beloved children. Like addictions, a mentally ill family member, affects the entire immediate family in one way or another. I, myself, would never tell my extended family members (all around my age, with adult children, thriving in successful business/life) what is truly happening to my 41 year old son. I know them. The judgement would surely be there. The ignorance of mental illness would be there. The blame game would be there. Their pity and "Thank God it's not my child" would be there. On the surface they may extend their compassion...but I know it would not be sincere. Of course, I am generalizing. Some family members (maybe?) would be true to me and my son. But most of the "talk" would be fonder for gossip, especially since my son's cousins (around his age) are all high achievers. Like he was once and then took a terrible fall and has yet to recover for many reasons. My family who are all around my age, with children my son's age, would be completely "shocked" if they knew what I am experiencing with my son. The real story. So, when asked about him, I say "O! he's doing good"...nothing could be farther from the truth. So, it's easier that way for me...and as for him? Frankly I don't think he even cares. He simply continues to isolate from everyone except me and his father. And there are plenty of times, he isolates from us despite our best efforts. He lives far from me and his father...is "supposedly" still working from home but we are not sure. He doesn't understand yet - we are his 2 best sources of support. He gradually lost every single good friend he had and he had a lot. So, we continue on, doing our best, praying a lot, hoping for a breakthrough. Of course, I don't need to say his treatment care plan is completely wrong. Down to his psychiatrist, therapist and medication regimen. But he won't listen to me...he won't change. This is our life now, in our so-called golden years. Which I am discovering despite being seniors, that doesn't mean we now get a pass from family heartache. The heartaches can be particularly painful since we now have the "wisdom" the youth do not process. Yet. Most of them will when/if they reach our age.
The entire picture is so very sad.