Posts by rapiddriver23

Guys, I honestly can’t wrap my head around the fact that my brother has been hitting these extreme manic episodes almost every single month for nearly two years now. It’s happening right this second—he’s just spent the entire day screaming at the top of his lungs, ranting about fascism, claiming everyone is out to get him, and throwing insults at everyone... calling people names, being hateful toward the LGBTQ+ community, you name it. ALL. DAY. LONG.
I am just so drained... again... Honestly, if this keeps up, I’m going to end up sick myself.
Yesterday they bumped his dosage from 9.5mg up to 15mg, but does it usually take a few days for that to actually kick in?
And man, I just have this sinking feeling that he’ll never be stable again. Two whole years!? This is just... wow.

Also, quick question—he’s an American citizen, but he hasn't lived in the States for long and doesn't have much of a work history. He’s currently on unemployment, but let's be real, he’s probably never going to hold down a job. Does he have any rights to specific social services or assistance here in the US?

I'm feeling pretty hopeless...

It’s all so surreal. On the outside, I seem totally fine—outgoing, easy to talk to, and everything—but inside, I’m just crumbling because of what we're going through.

Who would you guys recommend in the greater Los Angeles area?
Why them though?

I'm looking into getting stitches done.

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who chimed in.
Maybe I’m just naturally more of a pessimist—it’s honestly tough for me to try and convince myself that everything’s gonna be okay. I feel pretty terrible lately... there isn't a single day where I don't spiral thinking about whether I'll have a relapse, or if I go out for a walk, if I'll actually make it back home alive.
I can't help but wonder, how am I supposed to expect my current guy to stay by my side and raise kids with me when this constant anxiety is always going to be part of who I am? It feels like I'd just be the one thing breaking his perfect life... 🙂

Hey there

My brother’s been dealing with schizoaffective disorder for about ten years now—he just turned 35. Over the last couple of years, things have gotten really rough; he’s constantly cycling through different meds and just can't seem to find any stability. Honestly, even basic hygiene is a struggle—I basically have to tell him how to take care of himself. He doesn't really have a social life, and hasn't had a girlfriend since he first got sick. Our dad passed away two years ago, and my mom is disabled, so I’m constantly spiraling thinking... if he can't stay steady, what happens to him when she's gone? He isn't working—partly because he can't get stable due to the paranoia, and partly because he has zero income.
What does this mean for my own life? I'm at that stage where I'm thinking about starting my own family soon. But every single day—and I mean every day—I'm worrying about him. Will I end up being his sole caregiver for the rest of my life? Would his behavior eventually drive me insane? (And yeah, I know that sounds selfish, but it's how I feel.) The brother I used to know has been gone for years. It’s honestly making me slip into a depression myself; even when I'm out grabbing coffee with friends, my mind just drifts to him and everything he's facing. I am terrified, and I don't see any way out. I'm scared he'll end up homeless, or that he'll start self-medicating with alcohol so heavily that we'll find him passed out on the sidewalk.

Has anyone else gone through something like this?

My MCHC is at 398—can someone tell me what it actually means when it's that high? The normal range is supposed to be 320-360. Thanks!