Hi everyone,
I want to find some kind of help for a relative who has schizophrenia and is very close to me. The problem is I don't know where to start because this person has no insurance and is not a resident of georgia.
My relative is no stelazine but is not taking the whole Dr recomended dose and the reason for that is the fear of side effects (bone loss which this person has). Is there any alternative treatment, like in homeopathy or any other kind of treatment besides the antipsychotic drugs?
The things I'm looking for are:
1. Contacts for good homeopaths.
2. Any Organizations that help with resources, support groups etc.
3. Any kind of govermant help (and how do I start to get it for my relative)
4. Any websites that can help with the above points.
5. contacts for good doctors preferably female.
I would greatly appreciate all the help that I can get as this is something I need to do urgently.
Thanks in advance
M.
I'd like to thank everyone that replied and I'll see where all of this leads me. Thanks once again.
www.carmanresearch.com He is an expert with schizophrenia. good luck
How wonderful of you to advocate for your relative! So often those with mental illnesses are forgotten and suffer from the added burden of stigma. Here is a website I hope you will find helpful.
First of all, GOD be with you and your family. What a blessing it is that you are considering helping your relative and being an advocate. I, too, have a relative who was diagnosed and his meds are outrageously expensive.
With regard to your questions:
RESOURCES:
* If the person is unemployed, has a history of an inability to be employed, consider checking into Social Security -SSI. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov and read about what help is available. Perhaps your relative can be declared disabled and recieve insurance. Then their VERY expensive meds can be covered and they can have care. In my humble opinion, if you go this route, PLEASE apply in person and go WITH your relative as they will need someone to help navigate them through the process. It can be very difficult for the person with the illness as they won't know what to do. We were blessed with a wonderful woman who is helping us. My relative is also challenged with low IQ and learning disabilities so he needs a strong person to facilitate for him.
* Check out www.webmd.com for ANY health matters. They are an excellent resource and have a very good mental health section.
As my relative is male, he has no bone loss issues, so I can't help you there.
* As far as meds are concerned (types of drugs) there are MANY alternatives. Antidepressants are also a great help, specifically Celexa. Ask about SMALL dosages of lithium and abilify. Consider ordering the expensive drugs (abilify) from a Canadian pharmacy (it is legal and 1/10 of the price.)
* The Dr. issue is a tough one. We are looking for someone for him now and if I find someone good, I will share the info.
This is probably the most important info: Given the need is great, and if you are in the Atlanta area, try GA Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225. This is how we initially found help for him. GCAL serves as Georgia's point of entry for service access. They can aid you from both an emergency or care resource and are VERY nice.
This is about all we know for now but I pray this is a help for you. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time. I will be praying for you... L.
Hi M.,
There were findings back in the early 1900's that schizophrenia was USUALLY caused by a lack of niacin in the system or a lack of absorption of niacin. Numerous mental wards and hospitals shut down when the discovery was made, especially in the south. Corn meal does not contain niacin where wheat does. The majority of the schizophrenics were in the southern part of this country.
I do know an absorbable multi-vitamin has to help but of course I am not an expert. I also believe that the main string to the brain is the spine and an excellent chiropractor is a necessity. Dr. Wayne Stephens is in Lawrenceville and I have heard nothing but wonderful things about him. I also have a friend that has a website and she may be able to help you get some direction. Her website is www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk
God bless and I'll be praying for you and your family.
