Living with someone who has schizophrenia can be very challenging. However, it's important to remember that he actually needs you, even when he doesn't show it. Scroll to step one to find out how to make his life (and yours) as comfortable as possible.
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Part 1 of 4: Getting Information
One of the best things that can be done for him is to learn more about what he is going through. By knowing various things about schizophrenia, you can create a better home environment or atmosphere (for you and your relatives / relatives who have schizophrenia).
Step 1. Learn basic information about schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder that needs to be treated with medication and therapy. Schizophrenia changes the way sufferers think, feel things, and (in general) see the world. Therefore, it is not uncommon for sufferers to experience hallucinations and delusions.
Step 2. Understand the concepts of hallucinations and delusions
Hallucinations cause the sufferer to see or hear things that others cannot see or hear. Meanwhile, delusions cause sufferers to accept false/false information as truth.
An example of a hallucination is when a person hears voices that others cannot hear. Meanwhile, an example of delusion is when people with schizophrenia feel that someone is reading their minds
Step 3. Recognize some of the side effects of schizophrenia
Although loss of contact with reality (psychosis) is a common sign of schizophrenia, it is not the only side effect of the disorder. People who have schizophrenia may also show a loss of interest and enthusiasm, have speech problems, depression, difficulty remembering, and mood swings.
Step 4. Understand the things that can exacerbate problems related to schizophrenia
Symptoms that worsen usually appear when the sufferer stops treatment. These symptoms can also be caused by drug abuse, other illnesses, psychosocial stress, and the negative effects of drugs consumed.
Step 5. Learn how to deal with schizophrenia
Although it can't be cured, the symptoms can usually be relieved with proper care or medication. About 50% of patients who received medical treatment experienced significant improvement. In addition, it is important to remember that treatment for people with schizophrenia requires more than just medication. When treatment is combined with psychological or psychosocial therapy, patients can recover more quickly.
Step 6. Make sure you keep your expectations realistic
In fact, although 20-25% of people with schizophrenia will recover from the disorder, the other 50% of people with schizophrenia will continue to experience recurring and intermittent symptoms (with normal conditions). Many people feel that their love and support can heal their loved ones (in this case, a relative who suffers from schizophrenia). While love and support play a big role, it's important to remember that you still need to review expectations and make sure they reflect the reality of the disorder.
Part 2 of 4: Taking an Active Role
Step 1. Learn and recognize the early signs of a recurrence of schizophrenia symptoms
By detecting relapses of psychosis and providing treatment early, you can usually prevent a relapse of the more severe symptoms of schizophrenia. However, you need to be aware that recurrence of these symptoms is quite common and cannot be completely prevented, even when the patient is receiving the best care. Although these symptoms are sometimes difficult to identify (because they usually don't only apply to people with schizophrenia), try to pay attention to a few things, such as:
Minor changes in behavior, depending on appetite and sleep disturbances, irritability, loss of interest in daily activities, and stressful moods
Step 2. Make sure your relatives / relatives continue to receive care after being admitted to the hospital
A person may stop following follow-up care or medication so that often, he will return to show symptoms of schizophrenia. Without treatment, some schizophrenics can lead chaotic lives that are unable to provide for themselves, including the need for food, shelter, and clothing. Some of the ways that you can follow to ensure that he still gets what he needs include:
- Pay attention to the use of drugs. If you notice that he is not taking his medication, intentionally or unintentionally, make sure he continues to take it.
- Record the type of drug, dose, and effect. Because schizophrenia causes disorganization or chaos in your daily life, you have the authority (at least until the medication you are taking begins to take effect) to monitor the dose of medication your schizophrenic sibling/relative should take.
Step 3. Make sure he lives a healthy lifestyle
For reasons that are not very clear, people with schizophrenia are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. In addition, they also have a greater risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. To help him deal with these problems, you can encourage him to live a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. As an example:
- Take him for a walk every day. Or, take him to the gym and set up a daily exercise routine for him.
- Fill the fridge with healthy food choices. Invite him to cook dinner every few days and give him a balanced diet. A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, protein sources, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains as a source of carbohydrates.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages that exceed the minimum limit and prevent the use of illegal drugs. It is better if he continues to undergo the existing treatment.
Step 4. Communicate with him in a way he can understand
Because schizophrenia affects the brain, many people with schizophrenia have difficulty understanding others and communicating effectively. So that he can understand you, speak slowly and in a clear, light tone of voice. Relieve tension before it peaks because tension can make the condition worse.
You also need to reflect empathy and compassion in your tone of voice. People with schizophrenia react poorly to harsh or negative tone of voice, so the affectionate reflection in your tone of voice can play a big factor in effective communication
Step 5. Avoid lengthy discussions about his delusions
Such conversation almost always triggers tension. You can talk about it, but don't try to go too far with the delusions he's having. Learn to apply constructive disengagement. In this case, a lengthy discussion of the delusions he is experiencing should be avoided.
Step 6. Show patience
Sometimes, it sounds like he's intentionally doing or saying something to anger or annoy you. When something like this happens, keep your patience. It's very important that you don't get easily depressed or angry when faced with his actions. An atmosphere filled with tension can trigger a recurrence of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Instead, develop techniques to keep yourself calm, such as:
- Try counting to ten or counting backwards from 10.
- Practice breathing techniques.
- Move away from the situation rather than face it.
Step 7. Show compassion and empathy
It is important for you to show that you are willing to accompany him in his struggle to regain his identity through your actions and words. Your acceptance of him and his situation encourages him to accept himself and the situation at hand. This is the key for him to participate in the treatment he is undergoing.
Step 8. Keep the surrounding environment or situation calm
Many schizophrenics don't like being around people. Therefore, make sure the guests who visit meet him in small groups or individually. Also, don't force him to do things he doesn't want to do. Let him show a desire to do something and do it on his own.
Part 3 of 4: Responding to a Psychotic Moment
Psychotic moments refer to the appearance of hallucinations or delusions. Moments like this can occur when a relative who suffers from schizophrenia is not taking his medication, or there are other external aspects that exacerbate his symptoms.
Step 1. Be prepared to deal with aggression
Unlike what is shown in the movies, people with schizophrenia are generally not rude. However, some people may act aggressively as a result of the hallucinations or delusions they experience. Therefore, they can harm themselves or others.
For example, people with schizophrenia have a 5% risk of committing suicide in their lifetime. This percentage is significantly greater than the percentage of risk in the general population
Step 2. Don't argue with her when a psychotic moment is going on
When faced with this moment, it's important that you don't dispute his opinion, even when you know that his opinion doesn't match reality. For people with schizophrenia, hallucinations and strange thoughts are not the product of imagination; they are quite real things. People who experience such hallucinations or delusions actually believe things you don't. Therefore, try not to argue about delusions or wrong views.
Step 3. Keep calm and explain your views/opinions
When you face their unrealistic opinions/views, it's important that you make it clear that you don't share them. Make sure he knows that some things may seem different to him. This way, he can remember that he has a disorder. However, do not let you argue with him about these views/opinions.
If he senses that you are refuting or denying his views, try changing the topic or shifting his attention to something else that won't spark debate or disagreement
Step 4. Show great empathy
When he's in a psychotic moment, it's important that you continue to show compassion, kindness, and empathy. Say nice things to him and remind him of the beautiful moments that have passed. However, if he is being aggressive, keep his distance from him while still showing affection and support.
Step 5. Seek help if needed
Although it doesn't happen often, people with schizophrenia can be dangerous. In this case, the police can help you get an emergency evaluation from a psychiatrist. You also need to consider the possibility of a relative who has schizophrenia to be hospitalized for a few days until his symptoms are controlled.
In the United States (and some other countries), be careful when dealing with the police, especially if your relative/relative is a male and/or non-white person. Police may try to deal with it by force or use of dangerous weapons. So far, his performance history regarding people with mental disorders or limitations has not been very positive
Part 4 of 4: Taking Care of Yourself
Caring for someone with a mental disorder can be challenging and have a huge impact on your own life. You may have to face many practical and emotional problems in your daily life. Therefore, it is important that you take care of yourself.
Step 1. Take time to enjoy life
You need to plan your daily life so you don't forget to take advantage of your free time. It is important that you take time for yourself as this can help you deal with the situation better. Make time to do activities alone or meet friends.
Go see a movie with friends, plan a special time to enjoy yourself, or get an occasional massage
Step 2. Manage your social life
Even though you need to take care of others, you also need to lead an active social life. Make sure you stay in touch with friends, maintain romance, and visit family when you have the chance. Having a good network of friends and relatives can help you through the difficult times that are coming.
Step 3. Try to exercise frequently and eat well
Physical and mental health are interconnected. When your body is healthy, your mind and emotions are healthy too. Exercise regularly and eat a nutritionally balanced diet. Exercise can also be a great way to reduce stress and distance yourself from stressful situations. If you're having trouble keeping your temper, try running or taking long walks.
Yoga can be a great activity to train the mind and body. Take a yoga class in your city and practice to find peace of mind
Step 4. Join a support group
A support group is a place where you can meet many people who are (in one way or another) connected to people with schizophrenia. These groups are places where you can be accepted as you are and receive greater unconditional support. In addition, group members can understand the situation you are in without any stigma.
Encourage your relatives/relatives to join a support group. In addition to providing assistance to family members, these groups can also help people with schizophrenia develop the self-strength and emotional resilience needed to fight the disease
Tips
- Set aside time each day to be alone or do activities with other people so that you can clear your head and regroup your patience and empathy.
- Make sure you stay calm when he shows signs of a flare-up of schizophrenia symptoms. Tension and stress can actually worsen the situation or disturbance he is experiencing.
