Schizophrenia Caregiver Blog Archive

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  • Shame on You, Eric.

    Shame on You, Eric.

    I recently streamed the Netflix limited series, “Eric” and came away pretty ticked off.  First, they managed to make Benedict Cumberbatch look terrible in his portrayal of the father, Vincent.  I never formally thought of myself as a Cumberbitch (sorry, apparently that’s a real thing), but it was hard to see him look like that. … Read more

  • And Yet, Another Uphill Battle: Navigating Medicaid for Adults with Serious Mental Illness

    And Yet, Another Uphill Battle: Navigating Medicaid for Adults with Serious Mental Illness

    For caregivers of adults with serious mental illnesses (SMI), obtaining necessary support through Medicaid can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Despite Medicaid’s crucial role in providing health care and long-term services for people with disabilities, the process of securing and maintaining eligibility is often fraught with obstacles. Why is this journey so difficult and what… Read more

  • Navigating Mental Health Hospitalization Effectively

    Navigating Mental Health Hospitalization Effectively

    Hospitalizing your loved one is a heart-wrenching, hand-wringing, complicated event.  On one hand, you are desperate for them to get treated (properly…a blog for another day).  On the other hand, it is a dynamic that most of us are not familiar with.  And, in fact, when a loved one (LO) with mental illness is hospitalized,… Read more

  • Caregivers are Pariahs, Right? 

    Caregivers are Pariahs, Right? 

    Abso-freaking-lutely-NOT As a caregiver for my loved one with schizophrenia, I’ve faced countless challenges—most of which stem not from the condition itself but from the interactions with healthcare professionals. I never imagined that trying to support someone I care about could make me feel like a pariah. Yet, that’s often how I feel when I… Read more

  • The Terrible “Joke” called Coordinated Care

    The Terrible “Joke” called Coordinated Care

    Summary: A caregiver recounts the challenges of managing care for a loved one with schizophrenia in the fragmented US healthcare system. Navigating disjointed healthcare, stigma, housing crises, and inadequate support services takes a toll. Accessing mental health professionals, medication management, and long-term care remain persistent struggles. The caregiver emphasizes the need for integrated, comprehensive care… Read more

  • Caregiving for Any Severe Illness can be Difficult, but the Complexities of Caregiving for Schizophrenia is a Unique Challenge.

    Caregiving for Any Severe Illness can be Difficult, but the Complexities of Caregiving for Schizophrenia is a Unique Challenge.

    Caregiving for individuals with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia presents unique challenges. The unpredictable nature of symptoms, lack of insight, stigma, behavioral and emotional challenges, complexity of care, potential for relapse, and impacts on family dynamics make it especially demanding. Understanding these challenges is crucial for providing appropriate support to caregivers and reducing stigma. Read more