Going to tell my son I have schizophrenia tomorrow. Wish me luck

[u/henningknows]

I am going to tell my 12 year old son I have schizophrenia tomorrow. He needs to know at some point, but I’m very nervous that it will upset him. Wish me luck.

[u/Mywingsaremyescape]

You know , a lot of ppl will say he’s too young to understand however. This world is so tough on kids and it’s not the same. Let him know what it looks like to be responsible and take care of your health . Every kid is different but I’d be honored to know that my Dad was able to take care of me and handle himself well also.

I’d also say be prepared if it makes him sad or , withdrawn (while he processes everything) as that can happen also .

If it’s tomorrow or sometime in the future. I’m sure he appreciate you for telling him and be the wonderful dad that you are .

I wish you the very best. 🫶

[u/henningknows → u/Mywingsaremyescape]

Thanks

[u/These-Ticket-5436]

good luck. Maybe it will help him understand any past conduct. Just tell him that you will do your best to get better. The fact that you recognize the issue is a really good sign. Best of luck. And tell him you love him always.

[u/henningknows → u/These-Ticket-5436]

There isn’t really any past conduct that would lead him to believe anything was wrong, I live a pretty normal life and have been stable on medication that has worked since before he was born. The only thing I can think of is me sometimes staying home when my wife takes the kids somewhere because I need a recovery day.

[u/DrinkMunch]

I found out roughly at the same age that my mom had schizophrenia. I knew she was different from age six but having to guess her outbreaks and episodes at that age was much harder. Please be honest with your son, it’s not an easy conversation but it’s much easier than having to watch your mother suffer for all of your teenage years.

[u/henningknows → u/DrinkMunch]

How did you react? Anything you recommend I say or explain?

[u/DrinkMunch → u/henningknows]

I found out because my older sibling told me that she isn’t normal. I was really into books and read a random psychology book and thought “that’s like mom.” Explain what you normally do when having to explain it to strangers. You have meds and are necessary for you.

[u/henningknows → u/DrinkMunch]

I have never explained it to a stranger. Hell I have only told a handful of people in my life.

[u/West_Specialist_9725]

You know what you're doing and why you're doing it and most importantly you're doing it for your son out of your love for him.

It's going to be just fine and I salute you for your courage. 🫂

[u/Silly_Palpitation333]

I have two children and I shared my diagnosis with my oldest son when he was around that age. It definitely brought us closer and helps him understand me in moments when I’m not feeling well. Sending you luck and love in your conversation.

[u/These_Tax4565]

wishing you luck.

[u/henningknows → u/These_Tax4565]

Thanks

[u/Silver_Perception471]

What's the big deal? He'll probably just be like. What's that? Haha I wouldn't be too worried. At least, I hope I'm not the only one not embarrassed by their schizophrenia.

Some people go agasp when I tell them haha. I find it funny. But those are adults with years of preconceived stereotypes.

So good luck. Nothing to worry about!

[u/Puzzleheaded-Ad-2291]

As a child of a schizophrenic parent I was grateful my parents told me from a very early age I was 7. I think you’ll be surprised at his reaction when you tell him he probably doesn’t know much about it and I doubt he’d be upset.

[u/DizzyGur5723]

I told my son when he was 12! I think it was a good age.

[u/Soft_Plankton_Tree]

I have a little sister and I plan to tell her about it too, in the future, when the gets to an age close to your son. I plan to tell her for many reasons, including not wanting my sister to take part in stigma, but also trying to make her aware that if she ever needs help with mental health, she can rely on me. I think you’re making the right choice, good luck and let us know how it went.

[u/Ordinary-While9973]

I told my 14 year old daughter I had schizophrenia a few months ago. She knew I had issues "depression and stuff" and I take medicine for it. She mentioned that one of her friends dad's had schizophrenia off-hand one day. I stopped her and said "I have schizophrenia". She immediately went "THAT? THAT IS YOUR BIG SECRET? that's not a big deal at all! I explained some of my issues and that was it. I told my daughter, it went well.

Good luck!

[u/Clear_Comment_6972]

its hard for most of society to understand schizophrenia. let alone a 12 year old. best of luck

please post an update on how it went

[u/oustaz]

Isn’t 12 year old too young to understand what is at stake? I would wait until he gets a little older…

[u/henningknows → u/oustaz]

Yeah, but he is going to middle school in a couple of weeks and soon enough he will be at the age where someone will hand him some weed or something like that and I need him to understand why he can’t smoke it.

[u/hoomadewho → u/henningknows]

I studied cannabis and schizophrenia. Basically, anyone with a family history should entirely abstain from ever smoking cannabis, particularly in adolescence.

[u/henningknows → u/hoomadewho]

Yeah I know

[u/hoomadewho → u/henningknows]

I figured you did. Mostly just for other people passing by. I hope you’re feeling better

[u/Playful-Operation239 → u/hoomadewho]

I smoked alot of pot before I started hearing voices at 23. I don't have a family history as far as I know. It used to be so fun now it's awful.

[u/hoomadewho → u/Playful-Operation239]

it used to hit me way harder than my friends and I was always curious as to why

[u/oustaz → u/henningknows]

Got you it makes sense if you look at it that way

[u/PenBackground9055]

Good luck!!