How does she live on her own? I'm curious how this is possible. I have a brother who lives in a nursing home along with other mentally ill people. It is a tough life but it is better for him because he has access to nurses and treatment. He still goes to the hospital every couple of years because he gets locked in a loop and has to get out. I feel so sad for him and I can do nothing to really help him but be there. But at least I know someone is looking out for him.

Thank you, everybody. This is the OP. My sister has been calling me every day to provide details on the people who have been "following her" for over 30 years. She is so sick right now. It breaks my heart. I just listen and try to empathize. She really believes this is happening so I tell her how scary it must be for her and try to get her to take care of herself. She will absolutely not see a doctor. In fact, she revealed that a therapist tried to have her involuntarily committed and now all doctors are part of the conspiracy.

OP, are you sure that the detective even exists?

Also sending you support. There are many of struggling with mentally ill siblings. I have a schizophrenic brother who is untreated and in and out of hospitals. It's painful and unfair. I do not suggest you challenge her delusions. If your goal is to monitor her, just listen and be aware of what's going on. You don't have to agree or disagree. And Make sure you are taking care of yourself.

OP, I had an adopted sister that died recently (in her sleep - two years ago). NAMI was a wonderful support system, when she became mentally ill during her last years. I highly recommend using them. It is a difficult time, and a trying responsibility. It is a lot (LOT) of phone calls, but totally worth it. They will direct you to the best resources in your sister's area.

Agree with PP - please let us know how things are going. You are not alone.

OP, this is heartbreaking. I also strongly advocate contacting NAMI today.

www.nami.org

Top of the page will be "Find Support." Click there to find a listing for "Family Member and Caregivers." Go there to get started.

Be sure to go here: http://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Family-Support-Group
At this page, scroll all the way to the bottom for a link to NAMI's list of LOCAL support groups for family members like you.

OP, I really hope you can find a way to stay in your sister's life. Talking with others who have been in your situation absolutely will help. I also agree with the PP who recommended that you look after yourself by talking with a therapist, and a therapist should be able to give you some guidance on how to talk with your sister in ways that will help you at least remain a person with whom she will engage--even when she thinks the rest of the world is out to get her.

Please come back to us here and let us know how things are going.

I just wanted to say I'm sorry, OP. I have a mentally ill untreated brother and it's so hard to feel completely helpless. I've been considering contacting NAMI for myself to see if they have any family support groups in the area. I'll post if I find out anything.

Is she in Virginia? Contact community services board.

Anonymous wrote:OP can you have her put under a 51/50 for her own safety and professional assessment?

Thanks, PP. I have tried that route many times, but she is not violent and has never been a threat to herself or anyone else so nobody will intervene.

Seconding the NAMI suggestion, OP. Also, just want to send my online support. This is not an easy situation to deal with. If it gets to be too much it might help for you to find a therapist to meet with periodically, to vent and to get some support and advice. Be well.

OP can you have her put under a 51/50 for her own safety and professional assessment?

Op, re: your interaction with your sister - start from this point: how much interaction can you handle? Do not start from: how much interaction does she need OR how much interaction is "right". There is no "right"

Anonymous wrote:I'm so sorry, OP. Have you contacted your local NAMI chapter? They may have good resources to help you deal effectively with your sister. I'm about to reach out to them myself about my brother.

Thank you, PP. I didn't know about NAMI. I certainly need that kind of support.

I'm so sorry, OP. Have you contacted your local NAMI chapter? They may have good resources to help you deal effectively with your sister. I'm about to reach out to them myself about my brother.

I am the author of many threads that relate to dealing with my severely mentally ill sister. She is not a threat to herself or anyone else so I cannot get anyone to intervene to help her. She is paying a "detective" (aka a crook) several hundred dollars a month to investigate her "stalkers."

After my last thread on this topic, several people suggested I contact the police about the "detective." I did contact the police and they visited her. The police visited her because after I wrote the thread, she phoned an old acquaintance and verbally abused her by phone. After the visit, the police took no further action.

I just got off the phone with her and she is completely disconnected from reality. According to the "detective," there are now 4 million feminist groups sending people to stalk her. She is not under the care of any medical professional, as most doctors are working for the "stalker groups." She is going to call back tomorrow and I want to keep her engaged so that she continues to call and communicate with me. Do I go along with the fantasy? I have no idea how to respond to her stories. I am so sad and I'm at a loss. I just want to stay in her life so that she has someone to call.

I am the only family she has. My father is dead and my mother also has schizophrenia.

I would appreciate any words of advice from people who have mentally ill friends or family members.