Side effects of anti-psychotics for schizophrenia I think all come with a heavy sedative effect, which will be amplified if his dose has been increased, or changed. He's likely also on something like valium to help bring his distress levels down.
All stuff you'll already know. Just, when you walk in and the horror of what is our public mental health wards hits you, and looking into his eyes you may see a bit of a vacant stare right now.
Doesn't mean he isn't glad you're there. It's so important to know that someone gives a damn when you're in a space like he is right now. But if he's safe, and stabilising, and maybe even up for a hug from mum? Then that's awesome. Not permanent, just the only way to get him safe and stable in our current public health system.
Ask the nurses if there's any mental health organisations in the area that they'd particularly recommend for someone in your son's situation. There does tend to be some services that are better oriented to assisting with issues like what's on his plate - likely to be different to the ones you and I would access.
Essentially just trying to find something helpful to say, so you know we're in your corner.
All the public hospitals I've been in had a laundry and clothes left by other patients that you could use if you didn't have any of your own, but clothes from mum will definitely be better. If he's lucid he's potentially gonna want a roll-on deodorant (summer heat, and no aerosols usually allowed). I can't think of anything else I needed brought to me in public units (they don't allow most stuff out of sheer paranoia), just always wanted escorted leave so I could talk to the person outside the walls of the unit, but he may not be there yet.
Hope the visit goes well:hug:
The timing of it's great. No services are on, this time of year, but, I'll root around, first thing, next year. I don't know whether he'll be in for chrissy or not. "Dad" doesn't bother with christmas, so most of my kid's hate christmas. Too many, let down, sucky Christmases. He's good at making special occasions, extra sucky. Narcs don't usually like anything that's not about them.
I always make an effort though. I might have him here for the day.
My guy's sons will be here. And oldest (son of my guy) has a lady friend, they will be here. I'm not sure how many of my kid's will be, maybe all of them. That will be a first, since I left. That'll be fun, and crowded. I have 7 kids, two have partners, my guy has 3, but only has contact with the boys-son's (21 and 26), I don't think his oldest's partner's kids will be here, but still. I have a tiny unit, and potentially, 14 people wil be crammed into it. Fun times :-) :-) :-) :-) I actually mean that, but not knowing if my son's psychosis will be under control by then?? Yeah, unsettling.
Actually my youngest daughter is turning up later, as they are having lunch with her partner's grandma.
I'll have to get a new stick blender, as I broke mine today and I especially need it for broken jaw son.
He's gone back to the pot smoking haven, as "it helps" and adds to the opiate painkiller's effectiveness.
I get along great, with all of them, now, as long as no one mentions the dad. He's a real sore spot.
At least it won't be a sad christmas, where I send down a bunch of stuff, get no thanks, no communication, and then find out it made no difference, and they were all stressed and depressed, anyway.
