Schizophrenia

My dad has been acting strange for about 5 years now. He quit his job, lost all self esteem and became fascinated in music and tv. He believes the songs were written for him, and that they along with TV, have secret messages that control him. He talks to the tv, and watches it as soon as he wakes up to the time he falls asleep. This is very stressful on me and my family. He gets very angry all the time, especially at me, aswell as violent. He is in complete denial, will not go get help, will not admit to his problems and i have no idea what to do. theres not a day that goes by that his disorder doesnt affect me, and im afriad that if it carries on im going to lose all contact with him because hes pushing me away. Please help me, i just want to help him before he causes harm to himself or others.

Hello cindy_gord,

First off, a disclaimer: I'm not a professional, and can't treat or diagnose your father's problem, which to me seems like it could very well be schizophrenia

That said, I feel for what you're going through.

To be honest, five years is too long to let this continue. Has your mother tried to get help for him? How old are you? Are there other siblings?

Violence is unacceptable. You need to get help so that you can live in a safe, nurturing environment.

You say nothing of your mother, whether she works outside the home, or if she has tried to get hip him. How are you supported if your father doesn't work? He is endangering the welfare of his children.

Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, at (800) 950-NAMI (6264). This nonprofit organization holds family support meetings throughout cities and towns in the United States. The staff at this hotline number will direct you to the nearest family support meeting, and advise you and your mom on options you may have.

To be committed to a mental hospital, a person has to be a danger to himself or others. You admitted your father was violent. That is the proving point: your mother could have him committed to a hospital against his will.

Why has she not considered this? Your father's life is in danger, as well as your own.

He will not like if he's forced into a hospital, and he will resent you, and he will possibly threaten you with revenge for what you've done, but you have to stand strong and not give in.

This is your life, he is your father. He needs help, and he needs it now.

Best wishes,
Chris

Hello cindy_gord,

I meant to say, "tried to get help for him," not "tried to get hip him."

Regards,
Chris