It's All In Your Head
Everyone does say that laughter is the best medicine. Your medications are just a supplement.
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Disclaimer: we are not medical professionals- we cannot give you a diagnosis or medication advice. Please speak to a health professional for this. If you are in crisis please contact one of the hotlines on our page.
Anonymous Asks:
mentalillnessmouse Said:
Anon, I’m so sorry that you’re having to deal with this all at once. Dealing with a family member’s mental illness is stressful without the cutting addiction to worry about. But you are strong enough to do this.
My first piece of advice would be knowledge. A big cause of stress is unpleasant surprises, and knowing what to expect with your sister’s paranoid delusions can help lessen that a little bit. I would suggest doing a little research (a good starting resource is here). Go to the library and pick up a few books on mental health. Does your sister have an official psychiatric diagnosis yet? If so, do a little research on that so you know what to expect.
My second piece of advice would be to avoid internalizing this. This is not your fault—paranoid delusions are a symptom of mental illness, which has no more to do with you than if she were to have her appendix removed. And do your best to express your own feelings in a healthy way. Find a trusted teacher, counselor, pastor, or family friend who you can talk to. Carry a journal, and write down what you’re feeling (it doesn’t have to be eloquent or even coherent—just write what you feel, ignore punctuation as you like, and know that no one but you will ever see it). Do things you like to do when you can, and care for your sister as much as possible. She’s still the same girl you love, and she needs as much of you as you can safely give. Don’t wear yourself out, but don’t cut yourself off, either.
My third piece of advice would be, if she is seeing a mental health professional, talk to them about how to handle these delusions. They will have much more targeted, professional advice on the subject. (If she isn’t, come off anon and I can help you find a family therapist near where you live who can give you some advice.)
You are strong, and clearly love your sister lots, which is good. She’s going to need it as much as you are—believe it or not, helping someone else (whenever you can within the bounds of emotional safety) can help with your own recovery.
Best wishes, and if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to drop by again,
-Macy
