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Thank you so much, everyone who replied to me. It is such a source of strength to know that there are people out there that know and care. All your comments were really helpful too. I'm sorry I haven't answered sooner - I did look in quickly and read some of the replies but my head was just not in the right place to even try to answer while everything was going on around me.
Jody, my niece, is now in hospital. She was sectioned on Friday. That is what it is called in the UK - I don't know what the equivalent is in the USA - it means she didn't agree to go in of her own free will - a psychiatrist and a mental health officer (a social worker) came up to our house and signed the papers. She was extremely angry about it, threw a mug of coffee at the MHO and also hit me in the face. The psych called for a police car to take her to hospital because an ambulance would take too long to arrive. It was very upsetting - I couldn't believe it was happening - I really expected that the psych would say she was fine and it was me that was over-reacting, but he was in no doubt at all that she is ill and needs treatment. I had written out a list of things she has been saying and doing the last few weeks, because I was afraid she would 'act normal' in front of him, but he told me he knew straight away that she was ill, without even talking to me. She is under observation for the first three days, then he will see her for assessment and probably extend the section for 28 days so that she can be treated and the symptoms brought under control before she comes home. At the moment she says she will not live at home again and no longer regards us as family - she wants to divorce her husband, take the cats and never see any of us again ... But, of course, this is part of the illness too.
I have been looking up stuff on the net about different medications and outcomes, also about the nutritional aspect that Kate mentioned. I am sad that so many people have to deal with mental health problems, whether directly or as family, but also so grateful for all your advice and support.
Best wishes,
Josephine
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Josephine
#181876 - 05/29/05 01:01 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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Bless your heart! You have been dealing with so much! I am so sorry your niece is in such bad shape, but I'm thankful she is getting the help she needs. That must have been horrible for you to have her committed against her will. But rest assurred that she is in the hands of professional that can assess her and get her the treatment she needs.
And I know she didn't mean the awful things she said. Although they were very hurtful to you, they are, like you said, part of the illness. The mood swings, including violent outbursts, are caused by the chemical imbalances. Believe me, I've dealt with these up's and down's and sadly, said a lot of things I regretted later. And my illness is nothing compared to what it sounds like she is dealing with.
I will continue to pray for her (and your entire family). Thanks for the update. I had been wondering how she was doing. You must be exhausted after dealing with all of this.
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Hopefully they'll be able to get it under control with meds quickly. That all sucks. Sectioning is pretty horrible  ...I'm sorry you had to go through that.
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Hello Josephine
I have been wondering how you were getting on so was glad to see your latest posting.
The outburst from Jody and her comments about separating from you all are just part of the illness and she may not ever remember what happened when she is stable and well again.
I found it very difficult dealing with my own son even though my job was in psychiatry - emotions are very different towards your "own" as oposed to others in the psychiatric ward.
I am so glad that the Psychiatrist saw how ill she was straightaway - I do know how that feels.
Now you and your neice's husband need to recharge your own batteries whilst Jody is in hospital.
My thoughts are with you.
Judith
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HUGS
#181953 - 05/30/05 06:21 AM
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heather7476
Reged: 08/09/04
Posts: 2996
Loc: South East Michigan
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I will say a prayer for you and yours! I hope everthing gets better soon! You are a wonderfull aunt to be there for your niece!
HUGS
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Heather7476
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