Neighbor is unmediated schizophrenic; anything to do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After decades in the criminal justice system and very extensive experience with seriously mentally ill people, I can share that statistically speaking it is exceedingly rare that a floridly psychotic individual perpetrates a violent crime. It is much more (overwhelmingly) likely that they become a victim of violent crime either due to their inability to protect themselves from those who would mean them harm or because some nosey Parker calls law enforcement on them and they end up dead by ignorant cop.

Statistically speaking the neighbor kids have more to fear from their own family members than from a schizophrenic neighbor. The adults in the neighborhood have more to fear from their spouses or partners or exes than from a schizophrenic neighbor.

As a coincidence, on my way home from an errand this morning I was stopped at a light and saw a floridly psychotic person having an animated conversation with imaginary friends at the roadside. I felt no fear. I recalled what my grandmother always told me when we would see someone different like that out in public. Touched by God, she would tell me. These are the people God sends among us to test our compassion and character. Would you pass?

Sounds like someone on drugs and not touched by God.

[Anonymous]

OP unfortunately you all probably just need to secure your homes and not let your kids roam unsupervised for the time being.

[Anonymous]

The problem is that schizophrenics can become paranoid and violent. I would be very worried if I were the neighbors. Set up cameras, fence, etc, and help out the parents with county information and resources.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, there is nothing the next door neighbors can do other than be kind and offer support to the parents.

It is legal for the schizophrenic son to refuse meds. Many of the meds have very, very strong side effects that are much worse than the hallucination symptoms to the schizophrenic.

If the neighbors don't like someone talking to himself in the yard they can move away.

In my state the schizophrenic can be hospitalized for 72 hours involuntarily ONLY IF THEY ARE A DANGER TO THEMSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. Your description does not
meet those standards. Even if the schizophrenic gets meds
when under 72 hour hold they are free to stop the meds
upon release.

It is totally legal to be an untreated schizophrenic in America.

My uncle and brother both had schizophrenia. Both
preferred to be untreated and both had lawyers on call.

Just have to state the obvious, in case: I agree with you that these antipsychotics have really strong and undesirable side effects, and that may be the impetus for not taking them in some cases. But the reality is that many people who have schizophrenia or bipolar etc etc and don’t take their meds do so because they truly - in their minds - don’t believe they are sick. That’s one of the worst parts of that disease, they vehemently believe there is nothing wrong and they do NOT need help. It’s not like their train of thought is: “I’m schizophrenic! But that medication causes weight gain, I don’t think it’s worth it.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Up until this year my son was a typical college student. He moved home after his second year, and I fear he will never launch. This could happen to any of your children, it certainly came out of the blue for us (no trauma or family history).

We (he, my spouse and I, plus his psychiatrist) are doing everything we can to find the right balance of medications and therapy. It's such a difficult road, you cannot even imagine. The vast majority of those diagnosed with a severe mental illness are no harm to you, your family or your neighborhood.

You have my deepest sympathy. I worked many years with seriously mentally ill people and I always felt acutely the grief that must be ever present for all involved. When young people descend into serious mental illness they are losing their life, their dreams and hopes altered forever. A good life is still possible, but nothing is ever the same again. We should hold nothing but compassion for everyone in such a scenario, but I know there is instead a great deal of stigma and judgment that such families are met with - and precious few really good mental health care resources regardless of the wealth of the family.

[Anonymous]

Something you could maybe do is ask the parents to have a safety meeting with neighbors on the block and the local police. Make sure everyone has the right numbers to call if there’s a concern about his safety (parents, crisis line, police), make sure you know who to ask for at the police who will have knowledge of the situation, etc. I agree Ring cameras are probably a good idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that schizophrenics can become paranoid and violent. I would be very worried if I were the neighbors. Set up cameras, fence, etc, and help out the parents with county information and resources.

+1 Posters saying they're rarely paranoid and harm others are incorrect.

[Anonymous]

Be sure you always lock your doors and windows so no one wanders in. Good advice for those without mentally ill neighbors, even if you live in a Bethesda like environment. This includes when you are at home.

Warn the kids that the particular adult is not currently safe and to stay away, and let you know about anything out of the ordinary.

Perhaps put up a lockable privacy fence if you are the next door neighbor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing an outside third party can do but obviously you should take steps to ensure the safety of your home. Fence, dog, alarm, etc. Part of the problem with schizophrenics is they may come to believe you mean them some kind of harm....

This is good advice, OP.

Very sad situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that schizophrenics can become paranoid and violent. I would be very worried if I were the neighbors. Set up cameras, fence, etc, and help out the parents with county information and resources.

+1 Posters saying they're rarely paranoid and harm others are incorrect.

+1. This is the primary concern. Sorry for the parents and family but OP should be concerned about the safety of her own family. If you can afford to move, do it. Your children do not have to live next door to a schizophrenic who could potentially be violent to learn about mental illness. Safety first.

Note all the PPs advising that OP care for the neighbors mental state, call parents to offer support, and essential dismiss her own safety are typing away from the safety and comfort of their own homes - where they are likely not living next door to potential risks to their families.

[Anonymous]

One of the first school shootings I remember hearing about was in the 1995 at UNC Chapel Hill committed by a student who was known as a paranoid schizophrenic, had been involuntarily committed a few times, and had stopped taking his medication. He killed 2 people (including a student from Riva, Maryland near Annapolis). This shooting changed the way many police responded to active shooters because of the chaos, lack of responding fire power, and no coordinated training on what to do. Shooting lasted 15 minutes until he was subdued by another student (not the police).

I would move.

https://apnews.com/article/09537af944d44e4bad24627bc63bb0b0

[Anonymous]

There’s nothing you can do. My brother could have been described like this at one time. He didn’t get help before 18 because there were not issues. He had a complete mental breakdown in college and moved in with my parents after being homeless for a few years, by choice. It was really bad and we called the police ourselves a few times since he was such a danger to himself. It’s almost impossible to get people help if they refuse. He’s better now, years later, as in calm and not a danger to himself or others and not disturbing anyone. He can’t hold a job and is basically a recluse and the family supports him. He still refused medical treatment.

OP- you can call the police if he’s breaking a law. Call if he’s violating a noise ordinance, on your property or threatening to harm himself or others.

I feel really bad for his parents since we have been there.

[Anonymous]

16:18 again. A PP gave you good advice to alarm your own home. My brother was never violent or threatened anyone else but he was very paranoid and unpredictable for a long time. That’s why he would run away and be homeless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s nothing you can do. My brother could have been described like this at one time. He didn’t get help before 18 because there were not issues. He had a complete mental breakdown in college and moved in with my parents after being homeless for a few years, by choice. It was really bad and we called the police ourselves a few times since he was such a danger to himself. It’s almost impossible to get people help if they refuse. He’s better now, years later, as in calm and not a danger to himself or others and not disturbing anyone. He can’t hold a job and is basically a recluse and the family supports him. He still refused medical treatment.

OP- you can call the police if he’s breaking a law. Call if he’s violating a noise ordinance, on your property or threatening to harm himself or others.

I feel really bad for his parents since we have been there.

+1 I'm so sorry but know that your description is what many families have experienced.

[Anonymous]

One of my high school classmates developed schizophrenia our senior year and he committed suicide.

A lot of posters are referencing what's legal. I think that's the wrong focus. The law won't help here.

OP, it is scary to have someone who is so very ill in that manner close by. It's unpredictable, almost incomprehensible, and alarming. I do feel for his parents because their hands are tied, as well. I would probably be more direct about the situation. Talk to the parents. Ask how you can support. Do the things in your home to feel more protected. Talk to your kids.