Supporting a loved one who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia
That moment where you hear the words “schizophrenia.” Heart wrenching, gut turning news. What do you do? How do you help someone fight such a complex illness? What’s going to happen to them? And what is your own life going to be like now?
In no way do I have all the answers, and this is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are a few things you can do to help a loved one who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Educate yourself
Schizophrenia is a complex illness that affects both the brain and mental health. Medication for schizophrenia can also be confusing. One of the best things you can do both for yourself and your loved one, is educate yourself on schizophrenia and the way it is treated. You don’t need to know every scientific aspects of the disease, but it’s helpful to understand the symptoms, the basics of medication, and the potential obstacles you and your loved one will face, like how it will affect their functioning. There are some great resources online, some of which are listed on my resources page, but there are also great books out there for those who have been diagnosed and their loved ones.
Connect with others
Connecting with others who live with schizophrenia or have a loved one who does through the internet, support groups, or friends can also be a big help. They may be able to give you some insight on what things are like for them and how they handled obstacles. It can also help you feel less alone, which is a common feeling for both those diagnosed and their loved ones. Just remember that the disease affects everyone in different ways, as does medication. Your loved ones’ experience may not be the same as theirs. Similarly, treatments that prove successful for them may not work for your loved one.
Be their cheerleader
Schizophrenia is a lifelong disorder that isn’t always easy to manage. It can be easy to give up and to feel like there’s no point in trying. But good outcomes are possible, and may happen more than you think. Don’t give up, and don’t let your loved one give up either. Encourage them to continue with treatment and celebrate every little success. Cheer them on through all the dark times and remind them to keep fighting. And it’s okay if you need a cheerleader yourself too. Find a supportive friend who will listen without judgment and remind you that you can do this too. No matter how dark things get, never give up hope.
Reality check
Encourage your loved one to say something when they think they may have hallucinated or are experiencing a delusion. This way, you can confirm whether or not you experienced it as well. This helps identify what’s a symptom and what isn’t, which can be reassuring for your loved one. This also lets them know when they need to talk to their doctor about their symptoms. For more on reality checking, check out the post dedicated to it here.
Monitor them without being overbearing
Gauge how your loved one is doing and what support they may need. Just be cautious because the line between supportive and aversive can be delicate. If you push too hard, they may avoid your support, leaving you out of the loop with what’s happening in their life. You don’t have to support detrimental behavior, but understand that they can still make decisions for themselves. You can express that you disagree, but be there for them regardless. Please note, all of this takes a back seat if what you’re loved one wants to do is dangerous to themselves or others. In these situations, it might be necessary to take more control. But always alert your loved one’s psychiatrist, and, if you or your loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Promote self-care
Self-care is important for both your loved one and yourself. Getting enough sleep, making healthy food choices, exercising, and even just showering regularly can have a huge impact on both of your mental health. Life with schizophrenia can feel like it revolves around medication and doctor’s appointments, so find ways to help your loved one feel like a person and not just a patient. It doesn’t have to cost money either. For me, this can be things like going for a walk, painting my nails, or taking extra time getting ready in the morning to feel good about the way I look. Small things truly can make a big difference. And always remember to take care of yourself too. Schizophrenia is life changing for the diagnosed person, but it also affects those around them. To best support your loved one, make sure you take care of yourself too.
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