If one of your loved ones is living with Schizophrenia, you should not despair. This is not the worst thing that could happen to them, and it is important that you stay positive and lend your support. There are several things you can do to be supportive:
- Home treatment: Living at home with schizophrenia should not be like living in a clinic. As a family member, you will need to know exactly how to manage their conditions. You should make a home care plan with your loved one’s doctors. Be sure to include strategies to recognize relapse signs, plan for a relapse, and make sure your loved one stays on the correct medication. The plan should be written, organized and well communicated to all members involved.
- Learn about Schizophrenia: It is incredibly important to get informed about schizophrenia. You should not make any decisions based on myths and misconceptions surrounding this diagnosis. This can make the living process even harder. Instead, learn about schizophrenia, and educate others. This can eliminate the stigma about the disorder. It will also allow you to make better, more informed decisions.
- Support progress: You should encourage your loved one to make progress, take on some responsibility, and become more self-reliant as possible. They should not make bad life decisions based on their diagnosis such as dropping out of school and quitting their job. They could get a part-time job that is not too stressful and take a few classes. This can give them responsibility and a feeling of independence. You may want to be overprotective, but this can prevent your loved one from obtaining confidence within themselves and becoming too sheltered.
Are you or a loved one living with Schizophrenia? Contact Segal Institute today at 1-877-734-2588 to learn more or see if you qualify for our clinical research studies at http://studies.segaltrials.com/request-a-prescreen/
Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/schizophrenia-caregiver-guide/coping-with-schizophrenia-as-a-family-pictures/#01
