Monday, April 20, 2009
Blog 12
My sister was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. It is a mental disorder that disrupts thinking and relationships are dysfunctional. She was diagnosed at the age of 21, only 4 years ago. Up to the time she was diagnosed she was in and out of trouble, could not maintain a job, used drugs and accompanied herself around the wrong crowd. The relationships she formed were abusive and potentially were life threatening at times. For many years she seeked counseling but never was a diagnosis given. Finally my parents couldn't take anymore. They were helpless. They set her up with a psychiatrist and within weeks she was diagnosed and given many different meds. The psychiatrist called the whole family to come together so we could discuss our sisters mental illness and what we could do to help. I was so thankful for this meeting. I didn't realize that things I would say to my sister was actually hurting her more than helping her. After many years, my family has came along way. My sister currently is living with my father attending college and working part time. She is doing great. I am so proud of her.
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It is sad that some doctors will just collect money and not treat someone. I am so glad that your sister is doing better. I also like the fact that the psychiatrist called the family together to talk about how to help her.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your story. It is so frustrating when you can't find help, even from the "professionals". I am so glad your family has learned how to help your sister and I'm sure your whole family has benefited from the process. The fact that you can now say you are proud of your sister shows that you not only helped her through this but you forgave her for a past that was out of her control.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many opinions from so may doctors that it is hard to find the right diagnosis in a timely manner. My wife has a nephew that suffers from Emotional Disturbance and was hospitalized for 10 days and the treatment and diagnosis is such a hard thing for families to hear and understand. When you see someone that you love doing things that you think they should be able to control, it is hard to find the right way to cope. Your familiy must love each other very much!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
ReplyDeleteGabriela said:
I am Gabriela, and I am very proud that even know you have a professional carrier it is hard to confront this type of illness with family or with somebody else who are close to you. But after all this experience you pass, it is really good to learned about this experience, because that way you have the ability and the knowledge to help other, who are in the same situation. For example, I have a friend who was suffering for depression, now she is getting better, but I can said that I was his “angel”, because one time she almost kill by herself, but I saved her it is why I am very proud of me and I hope still saving lives who are suffering or passing for a mental ill and now I am very happy that you sister is living a normal life as us.