When Someone You Love Has Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a difficult mental illness to understand. The more information you have, the better you'll be able to support your friend or family member who has the condition. You can boost the odds that they will stick with their treatment, even when things get tough.

Your job as a caregiver is to remind your loved one how important it is to stick to their goals and to encourage them to stay on their medication. They need to follow their treatment plan to prevent the disease from coming back and keep their symptoms from getting worse.

Go to doctor appointments with your loved one. Ask their doctor as many questions as you need. Bring notes to the appointment about symptoms, other medical conditions they may have, new sources of stress, and any medications, vitamins, or supplements that they have taken.

People with schizophrenia sometimes hallucinate, meaning they hear or see things that aren't there. They also have delusions, or believe things that aren't true, even when they get proof that they are false. It doesn't help to challenge their beliefs. Be kind and supportive and call their doctor if needed.

If they are acting out hallucinations, stay calm, call 911, and tell the dispatcher they have schizophrenia. While you wait for the paramedics, don't argue, criticize, touch them, or stand over them. Also avoid direct eye contact, which could make them feel threatened.

Most people with schizophrenia are more likely to hurt themselves than anyone else. Sometimes that includes trying to take their own life. Take any suicidal talk serious and pay attention to poems, notes, or any other things your loved one creates about death. For help on the spot, call their doctor and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Stay hopeful, and remember that treatment works. Safe and effective medications and therapy treatments are available and newer treatments are being developed. As a result, many people who have a mental illness enjoy productive lives. Praise your loved one for seeking help and help them feel good about themselves.

_{This content was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.}