Update on My Brother
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
Banks, Oregon
July 12, 2023 2:57am CST
Many of you remember my brother Tim from his posts here years ago, I know that several things happened on the site and they may have been early signs of his schizophrenia.
He was officially diagnosed with Schizophrenia January 2022, but he began experience psychedelic hallucinations Christmas 2021 including hearing voices and seeing things that were not real. It has been a long hard road but he has adjusted well to medications but he will likely never have a completely normal life again.
Me and My mom are his primary support, it has been difficult to adjust to this as our "normal" though my brother is still here, he is not the same person, he is in constant fear and needs reassurance almost daily that he is safe, the voices threaten him and tell him they will take him away from his family.
His hysteria has even lead him to believe people he said bullied him online have done this to him somehow and hacked his phone and tv, he puts tape over the camera on his phone.
It's very sad the first few months were tough and I admit I got very frustrated, but in time I realized how severe this illness is.
Thankfully he's in a really great group he goes to for counseling, and weekly meetings with peer support. They also are thankfully stepping in to help him find a lawyer to fight to get his disability, they have told us ita very normal to be denied even upto three times before finally getting it.
I am pretty much with my brother 24/7 he is not a threat to himself or others, I believe there are varying degrees of schizophrenia and his is constant fear he double locks doors, has to be with us in stores, constantly asks if we heard that or if we saw anyone watching him.
He no longer calls 911 nor denies the voices, hes open and honest with us when they are happening he also has moments of clarity and says but I know they are not real but I still want to be safe in case they are.
I'm going to try to share more with the group, I have been through a lot the last few years it's hard to find any time to write but I need it as a outlet to vent.
Photo is my Brother meeting our new Great Niece on June 27th
16 people like this
15 responses
@Juliaacv (51107)
• Canada
12 Jul 23
I remember your brother very well.
I remember he became somewhat withdrawn before he quite the site, I had difficulty understanding some of his posts.
I am relieved to hear that you and your mother, his family that he loved so dearly, are rallying around him and helping him cope with this illness.
I hope that both you as well as your mother will be able to find support groups that can offer you the support you will need, and maybe even some tips for getting disability for Tim.
3 people like this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
12 Jul 23
Thank you he has a very good group he goes to that has helped him a lot, originally me and Mom went with him but I think he shares more when we're not there so we do not go. I'm in a great support group online for family schizophrenia loved ones.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137257)
• United States
12 Jul 23
It is difficult to get disability. I've been denied twice and have an attorney working on it this time.
The doctor say I have an autoimmune disease that causes my eyes to swell closed at times and the doctors can't figure out how to stop that. It's hard to work when you can't see half the time.
Good luck getting his disability.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (471354)
• Switzerland
12 Jul 23
I remember your brother very well, we interacted for a while, then he started to write posts that I not always understood.
I imagine how hard it is to take care of him, you are a good brother to stay with him. My sister in law suffered of schizophrenia. She was convinced all the time to have enemies around her who wanted to steal her money and spy her private life. Your great niece is so pretty.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471354)
• Switzerland
13 Jul 23
@chrissbergstrom - I know what you are experiencing. I hope that at least the meds help to keep him quiet.
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
12 Jul 23
Yes he envisions scenarios sometimes he believes my nieces father was the one doing the voices and that he somehow infiltrated his mind, it was a lot.... He is always worried people are on our property.... The meds help alot but unfortunately bad side effects like sleeping way to much.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (82710)
• United States
12 Jul 23
I do remember your brother and I'm sorry to hear of all his mental health issues. He's very lucky to have you as his support system and I hope that he gets the disability he so deserves.
2 people like this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
12 Jul 23
@db20747 No unfortunately there is no recovery from schizophrenia it will always be with him sad to say, he will always need medication now. It's not something one truly recovers from.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (178131)
• United States
12 Jul 23
I remember Tim very well. He is certainly a tortured soul. I wish him only the best. I'm glad it helps you to write here. We are all here for you whenever you need us. Enjoy your day.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (178131)
• United States
13 Jul 23
@chrissbergstrom You're very welcome.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (92481)
• United States
12 Jul 23
I am so glad that they are helping you guys get a lawyer. I have had you guys on my mind, and was praying someone would help you guys move things along.
I do remember your brother very well, as he was a kind, open minded guy who was friendly to everyone. Schizophrenia is one of the most devastating mental illnesses there is, and although things will never be the same for him, he is so “lucky” to have such a supportive family.
If you ever need to talk more, please feel free to PM me. I wish you all the very best.
2 people like this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
12 Jul 23
Thank you and yes from the support group I'm in he is one of the lucky ones, as schizophrenia in some forms can be so much worse, I'm thankful he is med compliant. So many schizophrenia end up homeless so he will always need some support
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (89863)
• Arvada, Colorado
12 Jul 23
So glad your brother has you.
I remember him well and miss him a lot.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (67775)
• United States
13 Jul 23
I hate to hear that. 
I hope there is help he can get (not just “lock him away”).
I hope there is help he can get (not just “lock him away”).1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
13 Jul 23
The meds he's on have helped a lot he still lives at home but he's no longer ever alone for more then a few hours as his anxiety is to much from hearing voices
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37350)
• Toccoa, Georgia
13 Jul 23
I remember you mentioning him. Continued prayers for him.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (10096)
• United States
18 Jul 23
He still has the toothpick habit. He wouldn't be Tim without it. It's how I remember him on here. Congratulations on the new Great Niece. I'm glad the group is helping with the lawyer. It may take awhile but I know he will receive it eventually and they have to back pay from the first denial.
@Butterfingers (66583)
• India
12 Jul 23
I am sorry to know about your brother and really hope he recovers
2 people like this
