James, who is a 10- year-old brother to Bob, always looked up to his 19-year-old brother.
James was always happy when Bob included him in his plans. Bob had an active social life, played football for his college and had an excellent grade point average.
Bob came home from school one day when James came in his room and asked him what he wanted to do together. Bob, for the first time, irritably said that he did not want to do anything with James. James was surprised and left his bedroom. He felt bad but didn’t share this with anyone.
The next day Bob had a football practice and he did not attend it. Instead, he came home and stayed in his room.
James thought this was strange because his brother loved football. This continued for the next week. Then when James was sleeping he was awakened by Bob playing music at 2 a.m. James did not know what to think and he told his mother the next morning about the music.
His mother had been noticing that Bob had been staying in his room most of the time so she went up to talk to Bob. To her surprise when she asked him about this, he had disorganized speech and was not making much sense as to why he was isolating. She asked him to come downstairs and watch some TV to take a break from being up in his room. She did not expect what happened next. Bob said that he did not like what the TV was telling him to do. She was surprised and engaged him in further conversation. Bob commented that he did not have to go to football practice because he was better than anyone on the team.
Bob’s mother was deeply troubled after their conversation and tried to reassure James that they were going to get help for Bob.
She then booked Bob for a doctor’s appointment. The doctor said that it appeared that Bob was suffering with schizophrenia. He also told her about the Canadian Mental Health Association for Bob to visit and talk with a volunteer at Peer Support Services to help him reach out for support.
Bob started to go to CMHA and meet new friends who understood what he was going through. Bob’s mother wondered how they could get support to help them through the changes that would need to happen.
Peer Support Services told her about the Mental Illnesses Family Support Centre. They support family members of someone who is struggling with a mental illness. Bob’s mother found them to be a good support for her and James. They also had information on resources in the community that could be of assistance. It would be a new chapter for Bob’s family but they were not going to go through it alone.
For more information, call 250-542-6155 or email peeroutreach.vernon@cmha.bc.ca