Case Sharing

Few years ago, my daughter was diagnosed to have schizophrenia. I still remember it was during the examination period while the weather wasn't too cold. Her classmates went to school as usual. My daughter who seldom took any sick leave said she didn't want to go to school, and she felt chilly. I decided to keep her company to school, and explain the situation to teachers. After assessments and discussion, the social workers and the teachers judged that my daughter should stop sitting examinations immediately.
Before that day, the child looked a bit unwell. She once told me that it was deeply distressing for her to sit in front everyone during a school gathering. She felt suffocated. Another time, she got caught chatting with a classmate during a morning assembly. She was asked to stand alone in front of everyone as punishment. Piercing gaze from all classmates brought severe discomfort to her.
One day, a social worker told me that my child was under intense pressure which posed some mental problems to her. It was unbelievable. She looked perfectly normal until I had a meal with her in a restaurant. She could not concentrate on her meal, but was looking around. All of a sudden, she claimed that passers-by were staring at her intently. I started to realize that there was something wrong, and the social worker might be right. I felt anxious and my mind went blank.
During my child's course of illness, I took care of her in my best endeavours. At her onset, she appeared fearful, and her whole body shivered. Despite keeping her company, I couldn't do anything but held her tight. I believed showing tender love and embracing her could soothe her.
I tried to change her introverted personality by encouraging her to contact with more people and make more friends. Meanwhile, I received help from social workers and teachers, and communicated with them. Whenever my child felt unwell, social workers always contacted me immediately so that I could coordinate with them. Slowly, my child established many friendships at school.
For me, there were ups and downs; there were moments when I felt pressurized, helpless and perturbed. Fortunately, I had friends to talk over with. My family members also offered substantial help, and nurse my child together. To me, their involvement is instrumental. I had my work to do. How could I possibly take care of my child without their help?
My child took medicines regularly, and her condition gradually stabilised. I felt relieved and willing to tell my relatives about our situation. I don't care how others view us. No matter what, this is my beloved daughter.

My daughter (we call her Ling here) developed schizophrenia many years ago. I didn't understand why Ling was always irritable; neither did I know how to get on her. Our dispute had been deadlocked for a period of time. Whenever she raged, I also became heated. I was discontent with her bad attitudes, and disagreed with her nonsense behaviours. I tried shouting at her and even beat her. One day, we quarreled with each other yet again. After I hit her, she felt furious and desolate. And then, I saw a news reporting a suicidal case of a 25-year-old girl. Instantly, worry gushed from the bottom of my heart, that I knew what I feared – I could never see her again. That day onwards, I gradually changed myself and grew.
I started to accept Ling. Our relationship improved even until now. Recounting the moments, I found that only true love empowered me to take care of her and accept her. Love and support connected me, Ling and her sister, bringing us mutual support which lasts even now.
I was once in agony. One day, when I was in church, I couldn't help crying and ask a priest, 'Can I not grow?' He replied, 'No. You can only overcome them one by one.' Yes, maybe God wished me to overcome all the difficulties. Luckily, I had my faith and laid my worries upon God. On my way, there were ups and downs, but I told myself I must go ahead every time, and stay tough. I should not step back; nor should I feel daunted. Unnoticeably, I gained something which I didn't expect – I discovered that I grew a lot. I and Ling got through difficulties one after another.