Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects a person's ability to think, feel, and behave properly. Along with symptoms that affect concentration and memory, people living with schizophrenia will experience psychosis, which includes hallucinations and delusions.
If your loved one has schizophrenia, you may be wondering how best to provide support. Don't worry! Launching from Healthline, here are five ways you can give support.
Stay Connected
Withdrawal is an early symptom of people with schizophrenia. Your loved one may lose interest in the things they used to love. Stay connected and provide social and emotional support for them.
By staying connected, you will have the opportunity to encourage them for support if they seem reluctant to continue with treatment.
Be a Good Listener
When your loved one begins to hallucinate, you may feel unsure how to respond. It's natural for this to happen to you, but don't even think about ignoring them.
However, give them time to express themselves in their own way. Let them talk about how they feel and don't interrupt.
By being a good listener, you have helped them feel supported by others.
Encourage Them to Continue Treatment
People with schizophrenia usually need long-term care from experts. Sometimes, some people with schizophrenia are required to take medication to prevent certain symptoms from developing.
You can find out about any treatment that works for them and offer support in a positive way without making them feel criticized.
Ask What You Can Help
Ask if they need anything
You may want to do whatever you can to make things a lot easier for your loved ones. You may have lots of suggestions for them. But, sometimes people with schizophrenia will still be themselves without wanting any interference from others.
Try asking if there is anything you can help them with? If they say they don't need help, respect their choice as long as their safety is not in danger.
Offer Support with Small Goals
Schizophrenia not only makes it difficult for sufferers to concentrate, but can also affect motivation and ability to perform daily activities.
Support them to start their activities by reaching small goals, especially activities that you can do together. Maybe you can try some of the things below:
Help them stay physically active.
Brainstorm to help them sleep more easily at night.
Help them make a list of relaxing hobbies to try. Etc.
Schizophrenia is a condition that may never go away completely. The support you provide can make a big difference by motivating them to follow treatment.