Mothers of daughters

Luise is the 50-year-old mother of Diana, who received a tentative diagnosis of schizophrenia two years ago at the young age of 16, but was never hospitalised. Luise describes that Diana lives completely withdrawn in her room, experiences hallucinations and delusions, and occasionally erupts into angriness and shouting episodes, leaving Luise in despair and helplessness.

Karin is 61 years old and the mother of her 31-year-old daughter Johanna, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia 7 years ago after having successfully completed a university degree. Even though Johanna has had several psychotic episodes with hospitalisation, Karin is still ambivalent about her daughter's diagnosis and treatment, and vividly describes her own doubts and confusion. 

Raluca, who lives in Romania, is the 62-year-old mother of Elena, who lives and works in Vienna and was diagnosed with schizoaffective psychosis 4 years ago at the age of 22. Raluca travelled to Vienna when her daughter was hospitalised on a psychiatric ward. Raluca describes her dilemma of staying in Vienna for a prolonged time or not to assist her daughter. 

Ulrike is the 57-year-old mother of Paulina, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia 2 years ago at the age of 23, when she was hospitalised with an acute episode. Ulrike describes how, with the help of counselling at a family self-help organisation she found the adequate balance between protection and letting go.

Marlene is the 60-year-old mother of Louise, who is 28 years old and was diagnosed with schizophrenia 6 years ago. Marlene describes at length how she and her family increasingly understood the behaviour and disabilities of Marlene and managed to provide an environment appropriate to her special life situation.

Irene is the 74-year-old mother of Sophie, who is now 48 years old and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, when she was 23. Irene relates that Sophie was originally a bright child, but then lost energy and was not successful in her medical studies. Irene was struck by lightning, when Sophie’s strange behaviour in public suddenly led to her being hospitalised.

Charlotte is the 81-year-old mother of Judith, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia 35 years ago at the age of 21. Her mother describes the turbulent life with her daughter, who had no insight into her illness and who never recovered. Judith died of a medication overdose five years ago.