My brother Tom has a new caseworker. This is always something I dread since they usually don't read the file or ask any questions. Instead this caseworker immediately assesses his situation and deem him fit for employment. Not only that, she says, "I've talked to the psychiatrist in our office (who is not Tom's psychiatrist) and he thinks we can change his medications to reduce the "ruminations".
Well, I love my brother and I respect the people trying to help him. Only trouble is my family and I have been living with Tom and trying to help him for 40 years! Although I know the case worker means well, sometimes the energy and passion is misplaced. I'm the last one to "give up" on Tom, however, there are natural limitations of his illness that have to be dealt with here. And having a new caseworker jumping in trying to "solve" issues that are oh so not "solvable" is really more overwhelming than the mental illness itself.
Am I striking a cord with anyone about chronic mental illness? Do you ever get tired by the "up beat" let's "fix 'em" attitude. Of course, I know better than anyone that the medication changing can be dangerous and detrimental to his well being before we see any "possible" improvement.
Weighing the pros and cons of proposed game plans should always be assessed but not necessarily implemented. Families are usually the best gage of whether to implement a professional's game plan or not. Go slowly, use your common sense and believe in your own judgment. Science and professionals are but one piece of the puzzle.
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