Living with Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia do not like high levels of expressed emotion-critical remarks, arguments, conflicts, tears and excessive emotion.

The most important thing is to understand how a vicious cycle can easily be established, involving emotional stress which exacerbates symptoms, creating more stress, and so on. Stress levels can be reduced by carers liking at their own behavior and trying to reduce the general level of expressed emotion.

Understand and accept the illness for what it is:
Try not to blame the sufferer, and accept that he or she is not responsible for the present behavior and circumstances. Watch out for thoughts like, 'she could stop it if she really wanted to'. Try to accept that the sufferer may not be able to express their love or gratitude in return.

Avoid global critical comments. Fro instance, 'he is always been a lazy so-and-so'. Instead try to make clear specific statement using the word 'I'. for example, 'I would like you to make your bed', rather than, 'he never does anything in the house'.

Practice good listening skills. Schizophrenia often affects the individual's speed of thought and speech, allow the sufferer more time to talk and more time to respond.

Reduce personal intrusiveness or repeated attempts to establish emotion contact. The illness of schizophrenia means that very often the sufferer wants a more limited degree of contact. It is difficult to accept, but their needs may have changed. Sometimes it is useful to deliberately reduce the amount of time in face-to-face contact. Give them space and time alone if they need it.

Beware of over-protectiveness and over involvement. Sufferers can easily fell trapped and guilty if they feel that carers have become extremely self-sacrificing. Leave them alone in the house for a while and go out and enjoy yourself. This may involve taking risks but it is extremely important. Remember the sufferer is an adult; do not treat them like a child.

Set limits and make contracts. Talk about what the family considers to be acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Make either formal written arguments or verbal agreements about negotiated changes in family members' behavior. For example the sufferer may agree to get up a certain time in return for breakfast of his or her choice.

Encourage some activity and socializing everyday. A delicate balance is needed between over stimulation and under stimulation.

Encourage the person to take their medication. Schizophrenia is an illness, involving a chemical imbalance in the brain, and does respond medication.