In this episode, we talk with our own daughters about the lived experience of the sibling when schizophrenia hits the family. The emotional toll on this group of family members is often swept aside in the wake of the crises involved in SMI. We give them a chance to speak.  

Guests: Our Daughters - Angela, Lucy and Ali

PAST:

1. What was it like for you growing up, as your sibling’s illness began?
2. When did you start suspecting something was wrong? 
3. Did you second guess any things your parents were doing for him?
4. Did you resent your brother for needing your parent(s) so much? Did you resent your parent(s)? And how did you work through that? (Kathy Day asked)

PRESENT:

1. What is hardest for you about your brother's illness?
2. How do your friends feel about him? How do they best support you?
3. Has your life changed in any positive ways because of your brother?
4. Do you see yourself as a mental health advocate? If so, how?
5. What is it like now? Where are you on the “graph of emotions?
6. Do you feel cheated that your mom spends more time with sick sibling? (Cindy Grossman asked - fb)
7. Do you fear that you could also become schizophrenic at any given time? Or your kids? (Kathy Burchett, fb)
8. Do you feel guilty that he got sick instead of you?? (Laura Pogliano)

FUTURE: 

1. What are your major worries about when we parents aren't around to be front-line advocates for your brother? 

2. What do you see yourself being able to do and what will you need help with? 

3. What help do you hope will be in place? 

Final question: What do you most want other relative groups - particularly parents - to know about your experience as a sibling of someone with SZ? How can we best be of help to you?

Links for mentions:

NAMI Family-to-Family