I've decided to open up about how Schizophrenia Disorder has changed my families life. I hope to bring stories, and awareness to everyone who thinks they understand, and to those who want to understand this mental health disorder. Everyday I am learning new things, and I hope to share them with you all.
Almost 2 years ago my son Dillon was admitted into Greater Binghamton Mental Health Unit and diagnosed with Childhood Schizophrenia Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression. He just turned 9 years old a few days before, and it was the most life shattering feeling in the world. I was confused, and scared. My son had been away from me for at least 3 months for the first time in his life. All I could do was cry when he was gone, and it hurt more that I could only see him for an hour each day during visiting hours, plus some days I had to miss seeing him because I couldn't get people to cover my shifts at work. I began to have anxiety issues, I assume separation anxiety, due to him being taken from my life so quickly. With all of the feelings I have had through that time, I can only imagine he probably felt those feelings 10x harder.
The hardest part was feeling so alone. Not everyone in my family agreed with the diagnosis, and made my life harder for trying to help my son. They didn't seem to think it was OK of me to let him stay there, and they didn't believe in schizophrenia. If it were anyone else though, I know they would believe in it. I do believe some have come around to accept it, and then there are still the ones on me about how I allow him to take medications and so forth. In all reality it is my child, and I know what's best for him, and I want him to feel great and value his life as he continues to grow older.
I must've done something smart, because in the past 2 years he's been improving greatly!
Please enjoy our ride with Schizophrenia Disorder.
