Friend dealing with a schizophrenic sister who's a single mother

[ClayTheScribe]

My friend, I'll call her Laura for privacy's sake, is concurrently dealing with an alcoholic sister and an suddenly schizophrenic sister. I posted in the Alcoholism board about the former, I'm posting her for the latter. Apparently Laura's older sister a week or so ago had a breakdown due to a lot of voices inside her head and paranoia. Laura's not sure how long it had gone on before then. Since then they've taken her to the hospital and she's on trazedone and rispirdal (not sure on the dosage) which I suppose are normal for schizophrenics, but I'm not sure. She's being treated and is seeing a psychiatrist this week, but she is also a single mother.

So I have two questions: 1) What can Laura do to help her sister and how should she approach/deal/talk with her sister now? 2) Is it possible for a schizophrenic, with treatment, to still be a responsible single mother or could that burden be too great for her now?

I just don't know much about schizophrenia, so I turn to you guys for advice.

Thanks,
Clay

[Found]

The answer to the second question is maybe either way. A good thing we can do when our family member or friend is ill like this is to be empathetic but be prepared to create plenty of space at the same time. It's sad. There is sadness in life. And especially continue our own recovery - for us.

I take a small dose of risperidone myself, for my memory - it widens it (alongside another medicine).