A mom’s desperate plea for her mentally ill son
Her son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and tried to throw his brother over a balcony
Mother of three, Cheryl Azov, is appealing for help in her search for a permanent placement centre that can accommodate her son who is schizophrenic and suffers from psychosis.
The 32-years-old Vincent refuses to take his medication when he is home, and either flushes it down the toilet or throws it out the window, causing his mental health to deteriorate. He consequently becomes extremely violent and physically abuses his family, placing their lives in danger.
He almost killed his brother on four occasions and injured his family numerous times.
His problems started when he was diagnosed with depression a few years ago, even attempting twice to take his own life. It was later found that he had suffered brain damage because of the attempts on his own life.
According to Azov, she loves her son dearly but is seeking professional help for him at a permanent placement centre.
“Vincent was fine until he was diagnosed with depression and started taking drugs. Things just took a turn for the worse and he became abusive towards us.
He would break things at our flat and even cut up our mattress. He hit his brother on his head with a cup, and when got a hold of the weights we train with he hit his brother with that as well. We had to call the police to intervene.
“He would also hit the walls and the doors. He becomes very aggressive when he doesn’t take his medication and it’s a big problem for us. We are terrified of him because he even attacks his brother when he is sleeping. We really are afraid of what he will do next, that’s why we need professional help,” said Azov who added that her son nearly pushed his own brother over a balcony but was stopped by locals.
She said she had been trying to find a facility that could accommodate her son, to no avail.
Most facilities are at full capacity and the ones with private ownership charge exorbitant amounts she cannot afford. She is appealing to the community for information about facilities that can accommodate her son and help him get better.
Vincent is currently in the Helen Joseph Hospital’s psychiatric ward but is due to be discharged on September 24 and sent back to his family. Before that he was at a facility in Germiston where he was showing progress, but the facility had since closed its doors and he was sent back to Helen Joseph once again, where the doctors have declared him fit to be discharged soon.
Anyone willing to help can contact Azov on 079 940 5828.
