Let's talk life - Dealing with schizophrenic mom

• Dealing with schizophrenic mom

My mother has schizophrenia and it is a burden on her children. From time to time, she has to be admitted to hospital for relapses of her illness. I think the family needs help.

-Marilee

Dear Marilee,

Family is an important component in the management of any illness. Family members have to be closely involved and take turns to help out. People burn out quickly when they have to take care of a sick family member. Families are stressed and do need help. There is the financial stress of buying the medications, office visits, and hospitalisations. Many times, the family member is unemployed and is unlikely to keep a job. The financial burden is really a problem.

Sometimes the patient is a threat to himself and others, and this causes additional stress on the family. The family has to deal with the stigma and discrimination that come with that diagnosis. They need to meet and agree on taking certain measures for the good of all concern. In Jamaica, there is health insurance, the National Heath Fund, the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education, and the National Insurance Scheme.

The family can attend the meetings of the Mensana group and get support. In Jamaica you need to be involved in a church so that you can harness support from the pastor and church members.

• Tired of taking tablets

Dear Counsellor,

I have an issue with taking tablets. I have a chronic illness and am frustrated with taking medication.

- Anna

Dear Anna,

Compliance with taking medications is a very big problem. Whatever the diagnosis, people are reluctant to taking medication.

Compliance issues cause an increase in complications, morbidity, and mortality. Medication causes side effects, some of which are lethal. People are then left with a no-win situation where they have to choose between risks versus benefits. Being sick is a big problem and taking medication is an even bigger one. Non-compliance causes an increase of crisis calls and hospitalisations.

Everyone needs to decide for themselves as to what option they will take. A better quality of life is the goal of treatment, and so in making decisions, one needs to bear this in mind.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.