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Help for my daughter

Emily's mum

Hi I'm looking for help for my daughter who has asd. She's 24 but still very childlike and was a sweet girl, always kind and friendly. Over the last couple of years there's been a lot of stress in the family, at the time my daughter seemed to cope well but in the last couple of months she's changed and now I'm very worried. She told me she hears voices. There horrible to her apparently. She has also become very violent. She tried to strangle her sister and she screams and shouts if you go into her room or into her space. And the last couple of days she's not recognizing me or the family or where she is. She thinks she's in a prison and we're her guards. And she says that demons are after her. Is all this part of her autism? How can I help her through this? I'm just really worried and don't know what to do. Please help.

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  • in reply to Emily's mum

    Hi, 

    Sorry to hear this is happening. 

    I'm a final year student paramedic, so helping those experiencing a mental health crisis is something I have a fair amount of experience in. Although please note I don't diagnose, we are trained to give a clinical impression, and I haven't met Emily. 

    What you have described is akin to schizophrenia. This form of mental health disorder frequently shows for the first time during the patient's twenties, with a gradual onset/worsening. Whilst this condition can often seem big and scary, try not to let it weigh you down. Medication for schizophrenia can make the condition almost non-existent. Whilst any mental health journey has its own challenges, it's important to take each day as it comes and to not lose hope.

    Mental health referrals can unfortunately often take months. However, it sounds like your daughter is currently experiencing a mental health crisis, this is an acute episode of worsened symptoms, with possible psychosis. This presents its own dilemma. 

    A mental health crisis, like any other emergency, justifies a 999 call. An ambulance with people like me would visit you as soon as demands enable us to. We would gather a history from yourself and speak to your daughter in an objective, non-judgmental way. As this is a new onset, they would likely recommend taking her to the local A&E department. This would enable her to be seen by a psychiatrist and begin her journey to regaining control. 

    However, it is recognised that A&E isn't the perfect environment for MH patients, but they are getting better. They are introducing (many already have) private rooms for MH patients, and are allowed a carer, like yourself with them. I'd recommend bringing something that she usually likes to do to spend time like a tablet or book as this can take a little while. 

    She is probably very scared, as to her, what she believes is happening is as real as night and day. Try to work to her needs, but don't beat yourself up, this can be challenging. Try reassuring her without rejecting what she believes to be happening. 

    Remember this is a challenging situation and your own well-being is very important too. Always seek help for yourself if you need it. Samaritans are very good, for everyone in this situation.