1. Be aware of the stigma surrounding schizophrenia
- There is a harmful stigma that surrounds schizophrenia, so make sure you are aware of the stigma and that you educate yourself.
2. Educate yourself
- Make sure you are aware of the stigma and build your knowledge on the subject matter as a whole. Know what you’re talking about and answer some questions on your own before you ask your partner about their schizophrenia.
3. Empathy
- Sympathy is one thing, but try to empathize with your partner to the best of your ability. You may not experience the same things, but try to step in their shoes.
4. Remember to be patient
- Patience is key. Your partner may not want to discuss a lot immediately, even at all. Be patient and allow them to make the first couple steps, or make small steps in the beginning if you do not notice them making a move first.
5. Ask what you can do
- The best way to get a question answered is to ask it! Ask your partner what they need and how you can be a good support system for them
6. Listen
- Listen, listen, listen to your partner!
7. Take care of yourself
- Remember you come first and you cannot help yourself if you don’t help yourself.
So always remember – patience, kindness and empathy will keep a relationship going and help it grow, no matter what the problem is.