Trouble dealing with mentally ill friend

Post Reply New Topic

To be quite frank, most schizophrenics suffer from a lack of self-esteem and topling, utter fear. If you are honest with him, he'll probably leave you alone, and not bother you anymore. I think if you avoid this, he'll just come at you differently, and that could be a problem.

I think it is really sad that you are in this situation. I know what it is like to want to help someone really badly even though you know you are not going to make much progress although I have not got your situation at all. If you think he could be dangerous to himself or to the public, I suggest you inform someone. It would be safer for him and you if he was in hospital from the sounds of it.

No idea, ask a psychologist. I really hope he doesn't start stalking you. good luck with your situation.

Since this thread began, he has snapped out of it....now he is "back with us"...and is our friend again.
Really, he is as stable i have ever seen him....He is friends with my partner again and everything.

It seemed to sorta come with the slight changing of the seasons.

Thats good news, I know it can be disturbing having a friend go a little flippy

I agree. What will you do when he is like this again? His condition must be brought under control first, before anybody can even try to help him. You have tried to be his friend, and that is good; but when he is in his bad state he might do something that he would probably not normally do if he were stable. And that might be that he could hurt you.

I know this thread is a little old, but I'm just wondering.
Have you seen a pattern before? Like, is he good in the winter and bad in the summer?

Yeah yeah SAD and what not. For you, it doesn't matter.

Relationships that are harmful sometimes and good other times are more dangerous then relationships that are always bad.

Be very very careful!

There are an infinite number of ways this can end, and I don't know how it will, but I do know that you will be much safer, and ultimately more likely to be happy, if you find some way to end your relationship while he is at his most stable.

I am sorry for him, as his actions are not entirely within his control, but you have a responsibility to everyone who cares for you, or relies on you in some manner, to act in your own interests (ie, it would be irresponsible towards you family, friends, and schizophrenic friend to allow yourself to be vulnerable towards any of his future outbursts).

He will continue to have such outbursts, and he is likely to pursue you until he has a girlfriend (which is honestly a frightening prospect for her).

I know I am only getting to see the worst of this person, and that he must have good qualities for you to care for his well being, but you must act now to protect yourself from further grief and pain.

Ive been in a similar situation. Please recognize the sincerity and urgency of my plea. When he is at his most stable, cut the cord. Do whatever you feel you must to get him some lasting support (find a case worker? I have no familiarity with that system) and then end it. Make sure he knows that it is YOU ending it, and it might be best so that the people there when you do it end it do not include your boyfriend.

It is a hard thing to do, one that will hurt, but it is irresponsible not to. You are a unique target of his fascination, and anything, ANYTHING, that goes wrong in his life could ultimately lead him down a path of violence towards you or yours. And trust me, that is not a situation you want to find yourself on.

Good luck.