Let's Talk Life - Schizophrenic and depressed

• Schizophrenic and depressed

Dear Counsellor,

I am 19 years old and I have schizophrenia. Sometimes I am depressed and anxious about my health. Every day I wondered why I was given this burden to carry. I read a lot about mental health. It has interfered with my education. I have missed school and wasn't able to do the examinations.

My family is poor and I am not able to buy the new medications. I still have negative symptoms and so I stay home. I have this dream that I will go to college someday but for now I feel hopeless and angry. Stress is not the only issue that brings on the symptom.

- Gloria

Dear Gloria,

It is good that you are reading about your illness. There is still hope. The new medications are at a cheaper price from the National Health Fund or at the government pharmacies. Some individuals have persistent symptoms which interfere with functioning.

There is a wide spectrum of medication which can be used to treat schizophrenia and depression. People with chronic illnesses are prone to depression. You need to get therapy to help you cope with your illness. Treatment of mental disorders is not only about medications.

You will need help with anger management, stress management and coping with mental illness. It is unfortunate that some people discriminate against the mentally ill. It is best at times to keep your business private and confidential. Stigma is usually present and you need to protect yourself. Speak with your psychiatrist about the issues and be well-informed before you make important decisions.

Your psychiatrist will need to discuss the medications with you. Once your symptoms are controlled, you can go to classes so that you can do your examinations. Many students have had to drop out of school because of mental illness. It is particularly hard on students because their peers ridicule and tease them. Sometimes it is best to change school if the situation becomes difficult.

Depression and anxiety are very common conditions. Therapy and medication are readily available. Cognitive behaviour therapy is useful in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

• Helping my mom with Alzheimer's

Dear Counsellor,

My mother has Alzheimer's and she gets agitated and aggressive at times. What are some of the strategies that can help?

- Martha

Dear Martha,

Alzheimer's is a common condition and it is projected to affect a lot of senior citizens. When you're helping your loved one, get ready for the day, plan ahead so that you will not have to rush.

A slow, calm approach can prevent or minimise a negative reaction. Approach her with a smile. It's easy to expect a negative response from your mother if the day before was not a good one. Individuals with Alzheimer's often react to our facial expression and non-verbal signs, so watch what you project. The words you speak may not always make sense to them, but if you are smiling each time you approach them, then this can help to calm them and reassure them.

It can be very difficult emotionally when loved ones with dementia accuse a spouse or adult child of purposely hurting them, hiding things, betraying them or lying to them. Remember that this is the disease speaking and not your mother.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.