Friend thinks he's facing "demonic possession"?

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AbominableSnoCone
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10 Aug 2008, 7:54 pm

Hi,
I've got a friend that I've known for only a short while, but I was very impressed by him. He was well-spoken and he actually led a social/support group for aspies in Arizona that once had up to 20 people attending. Now he's back in my area, and things have gone badly for him. He once mentioned that he had some psychotic episodes in his past, but I thought that he had been treated for that. Now he's had some kind of nervous breakdown. I had heard a while back that he was hospitalized and being moved to some kind of daycare / day treatment. Now i've finally been back in touch with him and I've asked him if they were properly treating him... I asked if he'd met any people from the autism center at his hospital. He said that he didn't think think his symptoms were the result of autism, that he felt they came from "demonic possession" and that he was "still hearing voices".

Is there anything I could be doing for him? To be honest, I don't entirely trust those who work in hospitals, I think they have a tendency to dehumanize their patients in order to better keep them under control. I'd like to see my friend brought out of the hospital environment... Is there anything I can do here?


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iceb
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11 Aug 2008, 1:11 am

It is rather good he has a friend like you.
Trying to understand your own situation while your having a psychotic episode is not at all easy ideas, perceptions and fears can be expressed and it is difficult to express them and make sense.
I hope some of the hospitals staff care about your friend and that he does not truly believe there is such a thing as demonic possession.
The best thing you can do is just reassure your friend that you care.
I hope he gets well soon.
I don't know what the hospitals are like where you are but when i was in the bin I found the occupational therapists and student nurses the most understanding and caring unfortunately there are always some who's idea of care is to maintain control over :(


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nightbender
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11 Aug 2008, 5:39 pm

he just might very well be have demons. having a clergymember talk to him wouldnt hurt. its not either or psychological problem or spiriual one.