Any have schizophrenic family member?

[Beanerkins]

Does anyone have a family member with schizophrenia?

My mother deeply affected my life as an Iunmedicated schizophrenic and I would like a friend to talk with. My father abandoned the family. So she was my only parent.

[fauxartist]

I did not understand schizophrenia, and I wanted to know as you were asking about others here going through a similar experience. I read a very moving story just now to try and understand a little of what your talking about. and it was very difficult as it was such a sad and unfair life this girl and her two little sisters had. It's written by Brianne McDonald, her story is called: 'What It’s Like Growing Up With A Mentally Ill Mother', her mother was miss- diagnosed for years and it was a very long time before she was properly diagnosed with having schizophrenia. It was a very moving and terrifying story.

I grew up with a mother who was mentally ill, but not with schizophrenia, her illness left me emotionally abandon and I never knew my father, so I do understand the emotional abandonment issues, abuse, and the adult child issues, where as a kid your put in a position of being the parent when you really should just be able to be a kid. I took care of my younger brother and sister every day I was not at school, and after I got home from school. I took the brunt of my mothers wrath as they were 10 and 11 years younger than I was. They would huddle together as my mother's terrifying rants went on for hours sometimes with Tupperware flying and things breaking...to this day their nickname for her is : 'Mommy Dearest'. But at least they had a chance to have a better relationship with her than I did.

[Beanerkins in reply to fauxartist]

Thank you for your kindness. It helps to be understood. You do understand as I read your story it makes sense and I validate your experience with true empathy. It leaves us the adults of childhood trauma left to heal the unprocessed trauma. My therapist presently has me writing ✍️ out all my traumas in a straight trauma line. It is challenging work (Xanax helps when I feel overwhelmed) and as I rethink and in my mind relive the traumas I revisit the anxiety which is challenging. I’m surprised how long the line is! The healing comes from revisiting as an adult and letting the unconscious secrets of the hidden past breathe! The childhood traumas have less power when we revisit them as adults provided we are in a stable adult place. Looking at the trauma line surprises me and it makes me feel more in control. I have lived through so many hits I’m a decorated emotional soldier! Would you consider doing a trauma line?

[fauxartist in reply to Beanerkins]

yes, I would. I've done years of therapy, art therapy, and journalling. But I am intrigued by this though process of a single line...if you want to PM me with the details or info I would appreciate it very much, or just post it here to if you want to share it...our journey is a long one...but for me it's always baby steps....I'm in no hurry, I'll get there eventually.