Schizophrenia Diaries

I do not know what people with schizophrenia actually go through. Around the attack of 9/11 my dad (a lonely truck driver) started to act strange. He told me the terriosts were out to get him. He said they knew him. I was scared, then again I thought maybe just maybe he was joking. Around thanksgiving I went to his house. He did not want to turn on the lights, He just sat in the dark. He said they were after him. I again thought he was joking or hoped so. He also claimed to have a chip implanted in his head and said he heard a ringing. He said the television was sending him messages. At this time I did not know of schizophrenia. My grandmother wanted me (because I am the oldest child) to have him sent away to a mental health center, she then told me of an aunt I never knew who suffered from schizophrenia. She is now in a mental health center to this day. I never could put away my dad. I have cried many nights. I know this has to be what he is suffering from. He seems to have better
days now. sometimes he slips when we are in a conversation and I have to leave. I have talked with him once about it. He said he is not crazy that everything is true that happens to him. I am now in college in a psychology class. I have chose the topic of schizophrenia to do a research paper on hoping I can get a better understanding. This website is wonderful I have some insight on the daily struggles of this disease. I wish I knew how to help my father, that is kind of what I hope to gain from this research paper. If anyone has any answers that can help me that would be wonderful thank you.