My son has sever paranoid schizophrenia. We first started to notice symptoms when he was 12. As he’s gotten older, it has gotten worse. He’s now 38 and up until a few months ago, we lived together. He hears many voices in his head, and has complete conversations with himself. He is paranoid that he will be attacked by the US government. It is nearly impossible to talk to him. He can’t concentrate. He cries, but can’t explain what’s wrong. He hides knives and shovels on under his bed to prepare for whatever attack may be coming. He shut off the electrical box, causing me to almost fall repeatedly down the stairs to turn it back on. My son should not be driving, but has a driver’s license. He has run into cars, polls and buildings. He has had so many tickets, his licenses has been suspended multiple times. Unfortunately, any mail he receives, he believes is fake. He won’t pay any bills, and assumes they are being sent to trick him.
Over the past five years, my son’s mental state has rapidly declined. He has been going to Peak Wellness for treatment, however, I am not allowed to be present during his appointments. He takes medication - a lot of it. He has white grocery bags around the house full of pills. He takes them when he wants, and takes what he wants. There is no rhyme or reason. I’ve contacted Peak Wellness many times trying to explain his deteriorating state. I’ve told them he abuses his medication. I’ve told them he’s getting worse. I’ve told them he is in trouble, and needs help. All of my calls were ignored, and I was told that he is doing well, and there is nothing to be concerned about. In September of 2019, I walked into my garage to put something away. It was dark, and the lights wouldn’t turn on. My completely naked son grabbed me from behind, and pushed me to my knees. He held onto me so hard, I had bruises all over my arms. He had no idea who I was. I pleaded with him to let me go, and eventually he did. I was able to stumble outside and seek help from a neighbor who called the police. While I was hurt and waiting outside, my son came out with a folding chair and started to smash the windshield of my car. Once finished, he went back inside the garage. When the police arrived, they went into the garage. Since we have had so many encounters with the police department, they went into the house expecting him to be semi-subdued. They went into the garage to speak with him, but because the electrical box has been shut off, they couldn’t turn a light on. My son, still naked, attached the police. He was beaten (requiring surgery) and taken to jail. Two weeks after he was arrested, the judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation to be done on him within 90 days. That was over three months ago now. He’s still in jail. He’s still not receiving the right medication. I visit with him twice a week. He has no idea what he did to me. He has no idea why he’s in jail. He stares at me and counts numbers. There is no one who can tell me if he’s had the evaluation. The lawyer he was appointed will not return my calls. When I ask him, he doesn’t know if he’s had the evaluation… BECAUSE HE IS MENTALLY ILL. What do I do? Why is the mental health system so broken? There were so many signs. I told everyone I could.
No one would listen.
Why does a horrible event have to take place before help can be given to someone like my son? Is it the same for people who shoot up schools, stores and offices? My son appears normal, and unless you talk to him for an extended amount of time, you wouldn’t guess there was anything wrong with him. Looks can be deceiving.
Help me! I am begging for help. WHAT CAN I DO?