An example of a hallucination would be hearing voices that other people cannot hear. An example of a delusion would be a person with schizophrenia thinking that someone else was reading their mind.
Subtle changes in the behaviour of your relative, including appetite and sleep problems, irritability, loss of interest in daily activities, and a depressed mood. Increased stress, anxiety, or fear. [3] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020. Erratic behavior. [4] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020. Talking about things that don’t seem to be based in reality. [5] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
Keeping an eye on the person’s use of medications. If you notice your loved one skipping medications, either intentionally or unintentionally, make sure that they keep taking them. Keeping a record of the types of medications, dosages, and affects the meds have on your loved one. Because schizophrenia causes disorganization, it is up to you, at least until the medication starts working, to monitor the doses of each medication your loved one should receive.
Offer to go on walks with your loved one each day. Or, drive them to the gym and set up a daily exercise routine. Stock the refrigerator with healthy food options. Offer to cook dinner every other day and served balanced meals. Balanced meals include servings of fruit, vegetables, protein, low-fat dairy products, and whole grain carbs. Avoid drinking more than minimal amounts of alcohol around them and refrain from using any illegal drugs. It may help them stay on this same path.
You should also speak with empathy and compassion in your voice. People with schizophrenia react poorly to harsh or negative tones, so speaking with love in your voice can play a large factor in effective communication.
Counting to ten or counting backwards. Practicing breathing techniques. Removing yourself from the situation rather than engaging.
Try asking them what you can best do to support them. [8] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
For example, individuals with schizophrenia have a 5% lifetime risk of committing suicide, a significantly higher rate than the general population.
If they think that you are challenging their beliefs, try to change the topic or draw their attention to something else that does not incite a disagreement.
Be cautious about dealing with police, especially if your loved one is male and/or a person of color. The police may respond violently or with lethal force. Their track record regarding mentally ill and disabled people is not particularly positive. [9] X Research source [10] X Research source
If you feel like you’ve reached your limit, consider reaching out to someone else who can step in and help for a while. [12] X Expert Source Noel Hunter, Psy. DClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
Go see a movie with friends, create special hours of ‘alone time’, or get a massage every once in a while.
Yoga is great way to exercise both the mind and body. Enroll in a local yoga class and practice finding your inner calm.
Encourage your loved one to join a support group. On top of offering assistance to family members, support groups also help people with schizophrenia develop personal strengths and resilience, both of which are needed to combat this illness.
