How to Support a Loved One Suffering from Schizophrenia

While dealing with, a mental health disorder, receiving adequate support and unconditional love can aid the treatment process. It helps us along the way to recover and also makes us feel less alone. Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that can be difficult to deal with and equally daunting to see someone you love suffer from it. You might not know - how to help them, what actions might actually help them in their journey, or when to avoid overstepping their boundaries. Let’s go through the many ways in which you can be beneficial to them on their journey.

Educate yourself about schizophrenia

Knowing what exactly is schizophrenia can be confusing and one might misunderstand the condition owing to its unknown cause and misinformed portrayal. It is crucial that you know the condition well, what type of schizophrenia it is, and its symptoms. 

Schizophrenia is a complex chronic disorder that affects how a person thinks, perceives reality, feels in a situation, and expresses emotions. Since there is no cure for the condition, people with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment and care. Some common symptoms include:

• Hallucinations

• Delusions

• Cognitive impairments

• Disorganized thinking

• Other symptoms such as lack of interest in social activities, an inability to experience pleasure unpredictable or inappropriate emotional behaviour.

Apart from these, individuals with schizophrenia may also experience difficulty in maintaining hygiene, performing everyday tasks or sustaining interpersonal relationships.

Listen to them affectionately

People with schizophrenia tend to believe strongly in their hallucinations and delusions. It can be difficult for someone to understand what they're going through or even know what to tell them. You do not need to agree that you see or hear the things they do. However, you can validate how they feel, and try to listen affectionately to them. Think of how you would feel. Acknowledge their fear, sadness, confusion, anger, frustrations, or any other emotion they go through. 

Be careful of what you say

Like in any other situation, words are extremely powerful when dealing with someone who is going through a mental disorder. You must avoid being dismissive or impolite while they speak. Be calm and understand what they are saying without interrupting them. Don’t doubt what they're saying or question it in a way where they feel like you don’t believe what they tell you. For example, telling them that their delusions or hallucinations are irrational will not help them. Instead, you can validate and empathise with them by saying, “You look worried. I understand that these voices or people seem real to you and also might make you feel scared.”

Help them keep track of their treatment plan

Individuals with schizophrenia may find it difficult to stick to their goals or the medication suggested by their psychiatrist. Encourage them to have their medicines on time. You can also keep a track of the intensity of their symptoms if there has been a specific change in their behaviour, any major changes, any new concerning life event, or any other sources of stress in their life.

Know more information on psychiatric medication: Psychiatric Medication: Everything You Need to Know.

Support them in healthy ways

Dealing with schizophrenia can make a person have lessened/no interest in the activities they love and even reduce their social skills. 

• You can help them by engaging in hobbies you both enjoy. 

• Encourage them to engage with other people and remind them that you are around if needed. 

• People with schizophrenia may also have a reversed sleep cycle which may cause them to stay awake late. Help them maintain good sleep hygiene.

• Encourage them to join a community group, continue their studies, or find a job they like doing. Assure them that if you can’t be around, there will always be someone to look after them in these places. 

Know the signs of emergencies

It is crucial that you know the signs of relapse and have an emergency plan. You may have to be ready to deal with a crisis. Discuss the symptoms of schizophrenic episodes with their psychiatrist. Your loved one might even have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming themselves. To deal with such emergency situations, always have a professional’s number on your phone. It could be a therapist, psychiatrist or doctor. 

Keep time for yourself

It can be difficult to see someone you love in pain. But remember to care for yourself first. Try making arrangements at your work or where you study, keep them informed about your situation and find a way to work things out without risking either of them. Take time out for yourself, and meet your friends. Most importantly, practice self-care. It could be just some time for meditation, journaling, or simply doing something you enjoy. It is extremely powerful and can keep you going in times of stress, and fatigue, and reduce anxiety.

Schizophrenia is a difficult condition to deal with. Remember help is always available. Make sure you have the correct kind of help for your loved one that can ease their symptoms and help them live a fuller life.