Stories from Caregivers: Alice Lynn from UTAH
UT
Alice Lynn
FROM UTAH
Hello, my name is Alice and I care for my Mother. She's 66 years old. She was diagnosed with Schizophrenia when I was younger and used to be watched by my older brother Darren until he passed away in a motorcycle accident. Since then I've taken over the role of caregiver and have been here for her. Schizophrenia is not something easy for her to deal with. She has bursts of anger and happiness. Pain comes and goes along with sadness. I've found my mother crying her heart out to jumping up and down from excitement. There is no cure for what she is going through so my emotional support is the best thing I can ever give her along with my time and full attention, plus a lot of love. My mom has always been there for me even though she's gone through a lot. She tries her hardest to keep it all together but sometimes it's not enough, so having me is what keeps her sane. I try to incorporate her in as many activities as possible to keep her mind preoccupied. My family is not very close to her because of what she goes through, they look at her differently. They call her "crazy." Well I believe she's special. She's showed me how to love unconditionally and how to never walk away, especially when she needs it the most. It's nothing easy to go through but I think it's best to just never give up on them. We need to make them feel love, not like failures. They already go through so much mentally. We have to be that love and support they deserve and desire. I love my mother to death and wouldn't change anything about her, she's my rock.
