Dealing With Schizophrenia in a Loved One

Schizophrenia is a challenging mental disease which can affect anybody, be it a commoner or a celebrity. About 1 percent of the worldwide population is reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia, and approximately 1.2% of Americans (nearly 3.2 million) suffer from the disorder.

Schizophrenia can affect a person throughout the lifespan although there have been new findings that the illness is most likely to occur in early adulthood. Though it is far-fetched that children and older adults would develop schizophrenia, it cannot be ruled out completely. But when it occurs, schizophrenia becomes a chronic disorder and the treatment can be a long and arduous process.

So, what do you do in the advent of a loved one being diagnosed with schizophrenia?

Your love and unflinching support, finding the right treatment, and helping them in coping with the symptoms would definitely ease the journey of schizophrenia treatment. You can also seek assistance from others, like support groups and friends, while dealing with it.

Let’s evaluate a few steps we should take to deal with a loved one who is schizophrenic:

Learn more about schizophrenia: With adequate knowledge about the disease you can make prudent decisions about initiating the treatment, monitoring medications and handle any setbacks. Dig out more about treatment centers in your borough. For example, if you are in California, the schizophrenia treatment in Los Angeles is considered among the best in the country. These minute details will hold you in good stead in fighting schizophrenia.

Alleviate stress at home: Stress can be quite detrimental for a schizophrenia patient as it could severely aggravate the condition. Hence, always try to keep stress at bay. Create a stress-free atmosphere and be a source of constant encouragement to your loved one struggling with schizophrenia. Avoid being critical of their shortcomings and take their every foible in your stride.

Set achievable goals: At the outset, set pragmatic goals which are achievable and be aware of the limitations of a schizophrenia patient. Devise goals which can be easily achieved by your loved one and always be patient even when the pace of recovery is very slow.

Infuse faith in your loved one: Do not try to take over tasks which could be easily accomplished by your loved one. Doing this would erode his faith in himself which won’t do any good to him. Instead, try to instill a resounding belief in his own abilities and encourage him in whatever small feat he achieves.

Take care of yourself: One of the foremost steps you should undertake while looking after a schizophrenia patient at home is to pay heed to your own needs. It is only if you remain healthy – both physically and mentally – would you be able to take care of the patient. You can join a support group, take care of your health and cultivate other fulfilling relationships. You need to be the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ to whom your loved one could steadfastly hold on to.

Find the right treatment center: Finding the right treatment center is a key element in the fight against schizophrenia in your loved one. Scour the internet, ask friends and colleagues, and seek help from neighbors or acquaintances leaving no stone unturned when you look for the best treatment facilities in your area. For those living in California, the schizophrenia disorder treatment centers in CA are the best in the country. As already mentioned earlier, the schizophrenia treatment centers in Los Angeles have a very good track record in treating schizophrenia patients.