A heartbreaking and complex situation, layered with denial, avoidance, and a lack of collective accountability. Psychosis can be an overwhelming condition, not just for the person experiencing it but also for the people around them. However, when family members avoid acknowledging the problem or shirk their responsibilities, it exacerbates the issue, leaving the burden unfairly placed on one person—like the partner, in this case.

Emotional Landscape:

• Denial and Avoidance: Denial often stems from fear or a lack of understanding. Admitting to psychosis in a loved one forces people to confront the stigma, guilt, or discomfort they may feel, so they opt for pretending it doesn’t exist.
• Abdication of Responsibility: When the family collectively refuses to step up, it creates a dysfunctional dynamic. Everyone’s “wait-and-see” attitude can feel dehumanizing to the individual with psychosis and exhausting for the one carrying the load.
• Financial Underpinnings: If inheritance is at play, it can sometimes breed selfishness or passive opportunism. Families may rationalize their inaction, focusing on future gains rather than immediate needs.

The Partner’s Position:

It sounds like the partner has been carrying the bulk of the emotional, physical, and mental labor of caregiving, which is unsustainable in the long term without support. If they’ve reached their limit, their frustration is valid. Caring for someone with psychosis requires a team effort, professional resources, and emotional support.

Possible Ways Forward:

1. Family Meeting:
   • A mediated conversation may help. This could involve a neutral party, such as a therapist, counselor, or trusted family friend, to address the situation openly. The goal is to outline the realities of the person’s condition and the unsustainable nature of the current dynamic.
2. Education and Awareness:
   • Sometimes families avoid taking responsibility because they don’t understand psychosis or its treatment. Providing information about the condition, its impact, and possible care plans might reduce fear and resistance.
3. Shared Responsibility:
   • Create a caregiving plan that divides responsibilities fairly among family members. This can include financial support, time commitments, and even legal guardianship if necessary.
4. Professional Support:
   • If the family continues to deny responsibility, seeking help from external resources may be necessary. Mental health services, social workers, or advocacy organizations can offer practical support and guidance.
5. Boundaries for the Partner:
   • The partner has the right to set boundaries for their own mental health and well-being. It’s not fair for them to shoulder everything alone, especially when the family refuses to engage. They may need to step back partially or entirely to force the family to confront their role.
6. Legal Considerations:
   • If inheritance is a motivator, consider legal routes to protect the person with psychosis. For example, a trust or estate plan could ensure the person’s well-being while preventing exploitation.

Emotional Reflection:

While it’s easy to feel anger toward the family for their inaction, it’s worth considering that their avoidance likely stems from fear, guilt, or emotional paralysis rather than malicious intent. That said, this doesn’t excuse their behavior—it just provides insight into why they might act this way. Compassionate but firm confrontation is often necessary to disrupt these patterns.

Ultimately, the well-being of the person with psychosis must remain the priority. If the family won’t step up, external systems may need to be involved to ensure they receive the care and dignity they deserve.