When a Loved One Has Schizophrenia: What You Can Do to Help

Some of the symptoms of Schizophrenia may seem mild or just unusual at first. Sometimes the symptoms can be severe and frightening. It is terrible to watch family or loved ones go through this sickness alone but you might not be sure what to do to help. Here are some ways you can help someone you care for who is suffering from Schizophrenia recover and get back on track to a better life.

Symptoms

Schizophrenia often develops in males around the age of 16. Many women who develop this disease see onset later in age. You may notice severe changes in behavior over a span of a few months. The person may become withdrawn and depressed. Some signs of this disease can be talking to oneself, breaking things around the house and lower grades in school due to an inability to concentrate. While these actions can cause your relationship to become distant, the first thing you will need to do is talk to the person. This can be very hard but you must understand that they are going through an extremely difficult time in their lives. As much as they may think they do not need your help, they in fact do. Ask questions about how they have been feeling. Ask if they are experiencing anything that feels weird to them, such as hearing voices when no one is around or seeing things that seem unusual. Let them know that they are not alone and that these things happen to people sometimes. Tell them that the human brain is very complex and that you understand that life can be hard and frustrating. Make sure they know that the combination of these two things can cause people to feel strange and act differently than they normally would.

If they are open to discussing what they are experiencing, listen and encourage the discussion. They may say things that seem wild or outrageous to you, but don't act or speak negatively about it to them. What a Schizophrenic sees or experiences is real to them and the last thing they need is for someone to tell them that they are abnormal for what they themselves have experienced. This will not work and will only cause the person to withdraw and feel more alone since they took the chance and opened up to you and you denied them. Make detailed notes of what happens to them and when. You might want to write down this information for later.

Getting Help

I would advise that you call a doctor first for help. A counselor will only refer you to a doctor if more intense mental help is needed and if the person suspected of having Schizophrenia opens up to the counselor they might not open up again for the doctor. The doctor needs to see and make notes about anything the affected person will talk about. Give the doctor your notes and explain what has been happening with the affected person in a calm manner. If the doctor recommends it or if the person is terribly violent or having more severe problems, you might want them to attend a local mental health institution for a limited time observation. According to your local law, it might be necessary for two people to have urgent concern in order for this to happen. Do not be afraid to take this step. Mental health hospitals have a stigma attached to them as being unhelpful and uncomfortable to the patient. All hospitals of this type are monitored and approved according to high standards set by the government. While it may not be as comfortable as home to your loved one, the hospital will closely observe them and make sure they get the help they need. Persons with mental health issues are not criminals and will not be treated as such. Mental health hospitals are not jails.

Life After Help

When your loved one comes home you will usually notice an immediate change. The doctor may have prescribed medications and referred them to counseling. It is extremely important that you help the affected person keep track of their medicine and appointments. It does not take long for symptoms to reappear after stopping medication. Watch for adverse reactions to medication and relay any information you think might be important to the doctor. Try and eliminate any stress you can from the persons life. Be helpful and caring towards them. Try and renew interest in a hobby they used to enjoy or find new activities to enjoy together such as sports or arts.

With enough support and love, any person with Schizophrenia can improve and eventually lead a better life.