[Augustmoon]

It has taken me and DH a long while, but we finally realize that our 25 yr son very likely suffers from schizophrenia. We live thousands of miles away (outside of the US) and have been trying to convince him to come home so that we can get him the help he needs, and give our support; (he has none whatsoever where he is and is totally alone ~ it's really heartbreaking).

I've been trying to motivate him to come home, even if only temporarily. We speak on the phone, sometimes for hours and hours; he fluctuates between horrible despair , at which time he say's it's a good idea to come, but then goes into long terrifying "stories" of imagined memories/hallucinations, after which he then say's "he" has to figure it all out. We seem to be in never-ending circles.

I don't know how we can help him to make the decision~ if we cut off money (we provide rent and expenses) I fear he'll probably just end up in the streets. We love him dearly and so wish he had some happiness in his life, or at least some peace of mind.

Does anyone have any experience with getting your ill adult child to come home? I'd be very grateful for advice.

[Perna]

I would search for a social work agency in his area and contact them and see if you can pay a social worker or someone to go see and talk to him, get someone where he is to try to get him to come home? There are lots of private social workers/social work "groups" who work with the elderly now; for working adults whose elderly parents need care and the parents live at a distance so the person needs help helping. I'd contact somewhere like that and see if you can find a local-to-your-son resource to help you?

Too, I'd plan your end, should he be convinced to come home, have a plan you can try of who he'll see, etc.?

http://psychservices.psychiatryonlin...act/38/10/1063

http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/39/16/6

[Rose3]

provide as much information for him as you can so that he'll know where to find help in his community

[MissCharlotte]

Although my son is living home, he also suffers from this illness. He once was on a trip (before he was on treatment with meds) and got lost in an airport. I think you have to fly to where your son is and bring him home. His illness makes it impossible right now, to think clearly.

Best of luck and PM me if you ever need to talk.

Peace and love.

[Augustmoon]

Hello One and All,

Thank you so much for your support (and pms) and please forgive my tardiness of returning to the thread. It's been a very difficult and anxious time.

Just so you know, I ended up flying to him and and brought him back home. It was in the nick of time ~ you were quite right, sister, he couldn't have managed on his own; I am also grateful for your offer of PMing you directly ~ I will take you up on this.

I'm not navigating this site very well yet, but I please know that I so very much appreciate everyone's input.