I learned about Hop-a-long from my grandparents. Their kids watched it.

I know I can completely and utterly relate to your story. I was so shocked to see the schizophrenia forums!!!!! I'm so glad they're here.

I think I may know what you're talking about with the borderline schizophrenia. See my cousin is bipolar with schizophrenic "tendencies" as the social security disability psychiatrist put it. His most predominant brain disorder is bipolar (with extreme mania, ego-mania, the whole bit) He also hears voices from time to time and also he is paranoid. I think it just means they have some of the symptoms but not enough to be classified "schizophrenic".

However my brother is schizophrenic. He also has alot of the symptoms of bipolar. Complete opposites, see. I have a strong family history of brain disorders. A few really sad stories that I won't share at the moment (triggering) and also some stories alot like yours, with the self-medication. My mother's #1 form of treatment until recently.

My brother is my first baby. He pretty much looked to me to be his mom. When I married, my husband took to him as well. He has been right there with me supporting him and caring for him. But Angela is right it can take a toll on the marriage, so please pay alot of attention to that. So when I saw this board, weird as it sounds, I was elated because I have always tried to do things to help him and with knowledge comes understanding and also the ability to help and be able to talk to them.

Your story about your sister reminds me of my brother. When he's off his medication he used to ask me if I could see the helicopters. They were taking off out of the ditches beside the house. I never said one way or the other because if you didn't see it was way worse and I didn't want to lie to him so I was just like oh really. If he saw them, nothing I said was going to change it. It just indicated to me that his meds weren't right or he wasn't taking them. Which was a major problem with him after he was diagnosed at 15.

Angela, it's interesting about the genetics. My family history of mental illness comes from my mother's side. And both sides of her parent's families had mental illness. Sometimes I wonder what the statistics are for passing it to my children, predominance according to the sex of the person, things of that nature.

I am rambling on and on. Anyway, Dazed, I'm glad you're here and please come back and I'll have plenty to discuss with you regarding this subject. Maybe we can help each other understand.

Take Care.