This is a difficult situation. I have a short answer, and a long answer. The short answer is, I don't know if you are safe, and it sounds like you don't either.
Most people with mental illness are not violent, including those with schizophrenia. However, I have questions for you. Is Bob in treatment with a psychiatrist? Is he in any sort of counseling? Is this a new diagnosis? Is he showing symptoms of psychosis or hallucinations? Some quick and easy ways to know if someone is hallucinating:
-They seem like they are listening or concentrating on something when there is no sound and it seems out of place.
-They look as though they are watching something that isn't there.
Auditory hallucinations are some of the most common, and if you know a person well you may be able to guess at whether they are hearing things such as voices by their demeanor.
If you think Bob is hallucinating, you can ask him. He may not want to talk about it, but some people are willing to say if they are seeing or hearing things. It depends on the person. I think because you live with Bob you need to get in touch with his treating physician or therapist and tell them about this comment. It may make things a little awkward, but it is important for both of you to be safe. Even if Bob was joking, he needs to know that isn't okay, and it made you uncomfortable. One of the problems with schizophrenia is the social difficulties that come with it. Patients often need coaching on how to appropriately interact with others, so even if this was a joke it will be helpful for Bob to know that this sort of thing makes people uncomfortable.
If you feel he may be suffering from an increase in symptoms, a break from reality, or difficult mood swings you should contact his treatment team immediately. Be open about it, tell Bob you are worried about him, and you are going to touch base with them. Explain non-judgmentally what your concerns are, but do not let him convince you not to contact his treatment team.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you and Bob are doing. Both of you need to be safe. If you ever feel truly threatened by him, call 911. Do not take a chance with your safety. Here is a link to a Mayo Clinic article about paranoid schizophrenia: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/paranoid-schizophrenia/ds00862 and one for the National Institutes of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/what-are-the-symptoms-of-schizophrenia.shtml.
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Hello Anonymous
This is a difficult situation. I have a short answer, and a long answer. The short answer is, I don't know if you are safe, and it sounds like you don't either.
Most people with mental illness are not violent, including those with schizophrenia. However, I have questions for you. Is Bob in treatment with a psychiatrist? Is he in any sort of counseling? Is this a new diagnosis? Is he showing symptoms of psychosis or hallucinations? Some quick and easy ways to know if someone is hallucinating:
-They seem like they are listening or concentrating on something when there is no sound and it seems out of place.
-They look as though they are watching something that isn't there.
Auditory hallucinations are some of the most common, and if you know a person well you may be able to guess at whether they are hearing things such as voices by their demeanor.
If you think Bob is hallucinating, you can ask him. He may not want to talk about it, but some people are willing to say if they are seeing or hearing things. It depends on the person. I think because you live with Bob you need to get in touch with his treating physician or therapist and tell them about this comment. It may make things a little awkward, but it is important for both of you to be safe. Even if Bob was joking, he needs to know that isn't okay, and it made you uncomfortable. One of the problems with schizophrenia is the social difficulties that come with it. Patients often need coaching on how to appropriately interact with others, so even if this was a joke it will be helpful for Bob to know that this sort of thing makes people uncomfortable.
If you feel he may be suffering from an increase in symptoms, a break from reality, or difficult mood swings you should contact his treatment team immediately. Be open about it, tell Bob you are worried about him, and you are going to touch base with them. Explain non-judgmentally what your concerns are, but do not let him convince you not to contact his treatment team.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you and Bob are doing. Both of you need to be safe. If you ever feel truly threatened by him, call 911. Do not take a chance with your safety. Here is a link to a Mayo Clinic article about paranoid schizophrenia: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/paranoid-schizophrenia/ds00862 and one for the National Institutes of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/what-are-the-symptoms-of-schizophrenia.shtml.
I wish you both peace.
June 19, 2010 - 10:06amThis Comment
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