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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2002, at 3:01:50
A young man, about 23 years old, who is also schizophrenic has moved into my apartment bldg. I know about his dx, I think, because since he's moved in he's begun shouting at random hours -- "stop! stop them! they're burning my skin! stop! or you'll burn in hell in the name of jesus christ!" This morning he shouted loudly enough that I heard him from a hangover and 4 doors down. I called the cops, who broke in on him.
From this kid's parent's frequent visits to the apt. bldg., I think this must be his first time on his own. I suspect that some meds aren't working, or he's not taking them, or the stress of independence is triggering more psychosis right now.
What should I do in this situation? I feel like if I keep calling the cops every time he has an episode, he could get kicked out and have a hard time finding another place. On the other hand, his terror is so real, I could see him easily hurting himself in an effort to protect himself from these 'attackers.'
Should I call the landlord? The cops? Or should I just invest in earplugs?
bookgurl99
Posted by IsoM on September 22, 2002, at 3:35:05
In reply to Asking for advice on schizophrenic neighborh, posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2002, at 3:01:50
This is just me talking - not even sure if it's good advice or not.
Is there any local health care unit, or mental health care unit, that's reasonably empathtic & helpful you could talk to or phone for advice about how a person like this could be helped? I know around here there is (BC, Canada).
Also, is it possible to gently corner the parents & tell them in nice friendly, nonconfrontational tones, of your concern for their son? The parents may just tell you to go to hell & mind your own business, but more likely, they're concerned enough for him, & don't know the full extent of how he's suffering.
Myself, I'd rather be as helpful as possible & take the chance of being figuratively kicked in the teeth rather than not doing anything & feel partially responsible if something bad happened instead. But hopefully, good will come of it but if not, your conscience would be clear.
Posted by shar on September 22, 2002, at 5:27:05
In reply to Asking for advice on schizophrenic neighborh, posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2002, at 3:01:50
"...I could see him easily hurting himself..."
or others, including you. Please be careful. I think it is possible to be drawn into another's psychosis so that you may become a target, with the outcome depending on whether you are seen as an attacker or savior at the moment.
To get more info, this probably warrants a visit to some of the boards on the internet that talk about being a friend/family member of someone who is schizophrenic. Or, a talk with some of the mental health people around, including hotlines that might exist.
Good luck,
Shar
Posted by jane d on September 22, 2002, at 12:40:51
In reply to Asking for advice on schizophrenic neighborh, posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2002, at 3:01:50
Can you call his parents instead of the cops?
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2002, at 16:16:59
In reply to Re: Asking for advice on schizophrenic neighborh, posted by jane d on September 22, 2002, at 12:40:51
The thing is, I don't really 'know' his parents, but I have let them into the building before -- not understanding why they were so nervous upon explaining that they had rung and gotten no answer.
(My apt. bldg. is small enough that we can hear other people's buzzes sometimes, and I always assumed he was ignoring it because of that.)
Next time I see his mom, I may ask if she's the parent of the kid in 204, explain what's been going on, and ask if I can get her number in case it happens again. Good idea.
This is the end of the thread.
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