My friend of a couple years is the one who has the schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis.  I've subsequently had many interactions with his mother, and I figured out pretty quickly that she is TOXIC and now I refuse to have anything to do with her.  Except she won't leave me alone.  Today, she left a piece of cake for me in the office of my apartment complex, signed with my friend's dog's name instead of hers.  She's manipulative.  She's trying to manipulate me into getting back in contact with her.  


I feel so awful for my friend.  He's honestly barely functional.  I can't imagine what it was like growing up with his mother (and from what I know, the father sucks, too.)    


It makes me wonder if anyone on the schizophrenic spectrum had a stable or supportive upbringing.  I don't think the sort of confusion and suffering I witness in my friend is just "genetic" and borne out of thin air.  But my sample size is admittedly small.  


This is just a "Rant/Vent".  I've just spent so many days and nights aching for my friend, and it's a hard thing to bear alone.  He's such a good person, but so damaged.  I'm not sure if he even knows/is willing to acknowledge it.      


I'm aching for any of you who also grew up in a toxic environment, and if you are still having to deal with the toxic people.