Is it mental illnes or an act
health advisory
Hospital
Mental Health
2007-11-15 19:02:33
Best of Luck
Mental illness is never an act. What possible benefit could he get from behaving this way?
From your question, it seems to me that you are frightened of him, because he is somehow 'different'. Or maybe you just don't like being near him. Full stop.
Unless he is actually violent towards you, then you have no reason to worry.
A mental illness doesn't mean a person is 100% incoherent 100% of the time. There are varying degrees of mental instability, too. Some people can be depressed but still function "normally" in many areas. Some people can suffer from panic disorder, but not all day long.
If you come face to face with him, just be gentle and send him home. If you feel he's dangerous, call the police.
Normally "schizos" don't know right from wrong and don't show remorse. For him to say that he doesn't mean to offend you shows an internal conscience. However, that does not mean that something isn't wrong with him. If you come face to face with him just stay calm and relaxed. Explain that being away from you right now is the best thing for him and that once he has pieced himself together that your friendship can occur again.
You have done the right thing. Sometimes it is difficult to understand the other's behaviour, but some meds can actually cause the side-effects you mentioned. If you are not sure what to do or he keeps harassing you, maybe a talk to the local mental health team might be a good idea. They won't be able to discuss his case with you as they are bound to confidetiality, but they might be able to note down his behaviour in his care plan and someone might talk to him about it.