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How do I get help when my schizophrenic son refuses?

Posted by pta @pta, Feb 22 2:43pm

My son, 52, stopped psych meds 6 mos ago. I called for a police escort to psych hospital. But he refused. He is not violent. But psychotic. I have called crisis lines. They all said that if he refuses they cannot help. He lives alone with me, mo., legal guardian.

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pta | @pta | Feb 28 5:40am

I was finally strong enough to have my son admitted to a psych ward at a hospital one hour away. Last night his delusions were the worst. So I called and had the police take him. I followed in my truck. He is safe. Omg. It was hard to do. They will evaluate him etc. He is scared but in the right place. Thank you for listening. All of your comments helped me.

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celia16 | @celia16 | Feb 28 8:23am
In reply to @pta "I was finally strong enough to have my son admitted to a psych ward at a..." + (show)
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I was finally strong enough to have my son admitted to a psych ward at a hospital one hour away. Last night his delusions were the worst. So I called and had the police take him. I followed in my truck. He is safe. Omg. It was hard to do. They will evaluate him etc. He is scared but in the right place. Thank you for listening. All of your comments helped me.

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@pta , that took a lot of courage. So glad you both are safe. I hope he will remain in care as long as necessary.

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pta | @pta | Feb 28 9:37am

Thank you. Your words surely helped.

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pta | @pta | Mar 2 5:19am
In reply to @stephanieann "Hi Your local NAMI chapter may be too small or lack resources which is perhaps why..." + (show)
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Hi
Your local NAMI chapter may be too small or lack resources which is perhaps why you have not heard from them. I suggest contacting the Nami which is in the largest city in your state to see if they have zoom meetings. Many NAMI chapters do have zoom meetings. Also try contacting a psychiatric social worker at your nearest psychiatric hospital. To Find a Local Affiliate: Use the NAMI Find Your Local NAMI tool to locate the affiliate
Register Online: Most virtual groups require pre-registration through the affiliate's website. Once registered, you will typically receive an email with the Zoom link and meeting ID. Hope this helps.

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Hi, I was able to get my son admitted into a psych hospital. He is getting
good care and he is safe. They will try new meds for him. I have some
relief now. Thank you for your kind words of advice.

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Mar 2 10:46am
In reply to @pta "Thank you, I will try to find a psychiatric social worker at a hospital in a..." + (show)
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Thank you, I will try to find a psychiatric social worker at a hospital in a larger area. And I'll try NAMI in a larger area.

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@pta if your son is non violent, not a threat to others or himself, not in imminent danger why do you want him hospitalized if that is your wish? It is not uncommon for patients with this diagnosis to stop taking meds over their lifetime of treatment. It’s unfortunate you reside in an isolated area with limited mental health assistance but hopefully NAMI can be of help.
You said you’re his legal guardian but does that include conservatorship since he’s an adult? If his psychosis is preventing him from caring for himself (eating, grooming, personnel cleanliness) I’ve been out of psychiatric nursing for a very long time but if he does not fit the criteria for a 72 hold they will not accept him. I know it’s been a long road for you caring for your adult son and maybe longterm care is a better option.

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pta | @pta | Mar 2 12:59pm

Thank you for your comment. My son has been off his antipsychotic for 6 mos. He has been delusional thinking someone was going to kill him. So in his mind he was going to kill them. Yelling in the middle of the night. Yes his psychosis was keeping him from caring for himself. Running outside in the snow in the middle of the night yelling at people who are not there. We live in the woods. He truly needs help. He appears to like the hospital because there are people there and he feels safer.. We live alone isolated. He does not want a phone or computer or tv. I wish you to be continually well.

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xpax | @xpax | Mar 12 5:59am
In reply to @pta "I was finally strong enough to have my son admitted to a psych ward at a..." + (show)
Profile picture for pta @pta

I was finally strong enough to have my son admitted to a psych ward at a hospital one hour away. Last night his delusions were the worst. So I called and had the police take him. I followed in my truck. He is safe. Omg. It was hard to do. They will evaluate him etc. He is scared but in the right place. Thank you for listening. All of your comments helped me.

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@pta
You did 💖 the right thing.
I'd say he got lost inside himself.

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pta | @pta | Mar 13 6:49am

Thank you. Psychosis is a sad thing. But he will be renewed when he gets the new medications. Right now he is refusing them. There's an old saying, "Time heals all wounds". And he is such a fine son. I just want him to feel "right" with himself so he can carry on with no fears.

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