I remember finding out I was pregnant. I actually screamed into the phone at the nurse who called with the news: "No! NO!!!!" Obviously it was an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. I cried for weeks, mostly because I was grieving the loss of my life as I knew it, as a carefree single woman free to live life as she pleased, responsible only for herself.
But as the weeks turned into months and I felt my baby move inside me, I fell in love. Madly in love. I had no idea if it was a boy or a girl, but I loved him/her with all my heart before he/she was even born. That love exploded when I gave birth to a perfect little boy. I had never knew love like that existed, that it was possible, it was all new to me and being a mom was the Best Thing That Ever Happened.
Years went by. There was always something unique about my son. He was a lot like I was growing up - often withdrawn and depressed but still had fun and enjoyed life for the most part. There were struggles but we got through them and as far as I knew Everything Was Fine.
I was wrong. The drug years started. Arrests. Drug diversion programs. Suicide Attempt. Rehab. In patient, Out patient. More Arrests....well you know the story if you read here. And for the last 8 months He Has Not Used Drugs.
I thought maybe life would take a turn for the "normal". Sure, there was a diagnosis for Bi-Polar that was very serious, but it could be treated with the right meds. He had plans for the future. He's dating a nice girl. He is doing things to help others and staying out of trouble. But now it looks like Things Are More Serious Than We Thought.
We don't have a diagnosis yet but I can't find anything anywhere that is giving me hope. His symptoms are worsening. This is the age when "it" usually manifests itself. He has all the signs of "it". We go to his psychiatrist again today (I'm going broke paying for him). Even if Keven is doing all the right things to care for himself there is still No Guarantees in Life.
Never in my wildest dreams would I be thinking about my son's future in terms of whether or not he will be able to function like a normal adult, if he will be able to live alone, hold a job, have friends. I don't want him to have "it". Sure, there are meds to control it - but do you know what those meds do to a person? I do. I've learned all about it in my NAMI classes because many of the people in the class have schizophrenics in their lives. Even with meds, life will never be "normal".
My own life did not turn out as planned. I accepted that and changed course and have no regrets at choosing to have my son. But now it looks like his life will not turn out as planned either. I may not even get grandkids.
They say it takes six months of symptoms to diagnose "it" but I can't wait that long. He is in danger. He needs some sort of help now. I don't know what will happen today at the Dr. visit. I will keep you posted.
Still don't know if I am making this blog private or not. I want to protect him. Yet on the other hand, I want to fight against the stigma mental illness carries so running off and hiding because of it is the opposite of the message I want to send. Its very complicated.
Thanks for reading this....
Peace, Hope and Love, Barbara
7 comments:
Hmmm, well, nothing is confirmed yet. Live in this moment. I am praying hon. Hang in there and keep us posted. ((hug))
Dear Barbara,
I am so sorry to hear this news and for the shock it must be to you. I will keep you and Keven in my prayers. (((Hugs)))
Barbara, I volunteered at a half way house for those with various mental illnesses. And it is possible for schizophrenics to function with medication. And even with age, some symptoms diminish. I wouldn't give up hope.
It's nothing to be ashamed of Barbara, really. "It" only has a stigma because we give it one. Whatever happens is up to our higer power. You have to give it to him, or her, or it - the universe - whatever. But you can't control it. All you can do is accept it. Your son is still the same little boy you fell in love with. Be strong, accepting, and don't be afraid.
It isn't confirmed yet and you are looking only at the now. There are great strides in medicine and treatments for schizophrenia can change and improve over the next several years. I know there are many with it that blog and perhaps are doing ok. You need to look for them and help Keven find those kinds of successful people living with it. You have accepted him being an addict and you have moved forward, now you know why and you both will move forward with this. Keven can lead a full life even with mental illness. Don't look at the worst case scenario, look for the best.
I am praying for a miracle for you.
I pray that it is not schizophrenia that Keven is suffering from but if it is, you are the mom for him. I have read more of your blog since finding you - only yesterday! - and have discovered a strong and informed mom.
Granted, there is profound loss when a serious mental illness is diagnosed but don't give up hope. Dreams and possibilities just take on different forms.
Thank you for considering the stigma of mental illness. Hiding your blog to protect Keven is admirable/understandable. But, if you are grappling with the need to write honestly and are afraid to write about the "real" story of the illness then please, reconsider privatizing your blog. The honest story of mental illness needs to be told, warts and all, so that people can become familiar with what mental illness is, leading, hopefully, to compassion.
That is my mission. I write honestly about what my daughter went through looking for help. It isn't a pretty story but I feel it is one that has to be told.
Good luck.
xx kris
www.borderlinefamilies.com
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