As parents of an adult child struggling with paranoid schizophrenia, my husband and I face a difficult decision about how to best support him. Our son’s downward spiral began when he dropped out of his elite university due to delusions that people were trying to harm him. He was hospitalized and later diagnosed with the condition.
Today, our son lives with us on and off, and we’ve seen significant changes in his behavior. He can be disrespectful and sometimes stops talking to us for extended periods, leaving us worried and uncertain about his well-being. Despite these challenges, he’s recently reconnected with us, mostly seeking financial assistance to cover rent and utilities.
My husband is concerned that our continued support is enabling him and hindering his growth into independence. I share this concern, but also worry that cutting off help would lead to further strain on our relationship or even homelessness. As we navigate this complex situation, many readers have offered valuable insights:
* Seeking external support, such as through NAMI, can be beneficial.
* Ensuring access to financial and medical assistance like SSI is crucial.
* Balancing support with boundaries is essential for the adult child’s growth.
We must carefully weigh these factors and consider what’s best for our son’s long-term well-being.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/07/06/mental-illness-help-enable