Schizophrenia??

[x11]

My little bro was a highschool athletic star, big boy, super popular etc. Got smashed in a tackle and went unconscious and spent a few days in hospital.

He was pretty into self image, clothes, haircut, grooming etc. Little things started happening that people noticed eg he stopped caring slowly about self image and became a bit of a slob. He deleted his social media, spent more time in his room and got deep into weed.

This process took a few years, fast forward he got picked on by some local lads and he beat the shit out of them pretty bad. Cops were looking for him and he had walked into a random doctor surgery in a panick attack complaining about paranoia, disorientation..... and voices.

Long story short he got diagnosed with schizophrenia, after months of getting the meds right he has job in a warehouse.

They keep trying to promote him cos he is a big, good looking, smart guy who is very organised and works endlessly.

He refuses all attention, promotion etc and just wants the low key jobs.

Could a bang on the head cause this, the weed?

Sad seeing such a Chad type guy completely isolated and drugged up on meds. Works silently and then hides in his room at parent's place and that's the sum total of his existence.

Feels bad.

 

[midland2009]

Im not sure the cause of it. I think it’s hereditary. My dad’s mother had it. I think the best thing you can do is support him and make sure he’s taking his meds and following through with therapy, etc.

There are millions that have learned to manage it and live healthy and productive lives. I know it sucks, but you have to think about the bigger picture. Your brother is healthy, living and has a great support team which I gather from the way you speak of him. And I think with time and the right help he can surely get back on track.

The best thing to do is not let it get you down. Be strong and be there for your bro. Spend time with him. I think you telling him you’ll help him get through this and making sure he’s taking the right steps is what will matter most.

 

[x11]

What do you mean by getting better?

He will be drugged up forever and learn to function no doubt, he already holds down a normal job.

The spark tho is gone, there is no striving, no wonder, no fucking shit up and chasing skirt, no laughter, no boxing in the back yard, no getting high at festivals, no fucking emotion, no passion.....all gone.

But yah, he will survive, he will inherit a house and have a guaranteed income from family regardless of employment... but still.

 

[HIGHRISK]

As advanced as medical is in the world these days. The one thing that still baffles scientists and Dr's is mental illness. It's very unfortunate and there is no cure. I'm not trying to be rude but I would be thankful that he still coherent enough to hold down a job and to do daily life operations without permanent babysitting.

I really do feel for you and I understand the way that you feel about your interactions with him now. Unfortunately as all of us do we worry about us and how it's benefiting or not benefiting us right now. I am very very sorry to hear you were going through this especially with someone as close as a brother.

I wish you the best of luck my friend. All you can do is be there for him and try to interact on his level and have to get used to that's how things are going to be from now on. Good luck

Oh and weed didn't cause this either.

 

[penche]

Mental illness is a motherfucker. I battled through depression and anxiety. Nothing like your brother no offense. Although meds and talking to the right people constantly helps tremendously. I did just that and I’m off everything for many years. You gotta want it and want to learn new things and how to cope. It’s tough man but like previously mentioned glad he’s able to come this far. Best of luck to him.

 

[MindlessWork]

Mental illness is a motherfucker. I battled through depression and anxiety. Nothing like your brother no offense. Although meds and talking to the right people constantly helps tremendously. I did just that and I’m off everything for many years. You gotta want it and want to learn new things and how to cope. It’s tough man but like previously mentioned glad he’s able to come this far. Best of luck to him.

Much respect and I myself battled depression since I was young, and got into weed and booze just to keep my spirits up and the bad thoughts out of my head. I kept my problems from my family till one day I had a breakdown and my uncle got me into outpatient treatment. Now I function quite well without the drugs and avoid stress and anything that can trigger a bout. My last bout was back in 2002 after sustaining a head injury that caused the depression to return for another 2 years. Now I am past all that and hold down a decent job.

As for your brother OP sorry to hear what happened, and my own brother is bipolar and this was only discovered a few years ago when he disappeared and wound up in Canada. Now he's a sales manager for a car dealership and doing quite well with the medications.

Hang in there and be there for your brother OP.

 

[x11]

Thanks all, tbh the family are relieved in a sense that his problems have a name and it's no blame, shame or anything anyone did wrong. Support systems these days are great to help people adjust and function.

Keep an eye for the signs when someone you know starts acting out of character.