Schizophrenia affects at least 20 million people globally. This condition is typified by the patient experiencing an altered sense of reality. This is seen in disruptions in perception, language deformations and withdrawal. Schizophrenic patients commonly suffer delusions and hallucinations, wherein they experience false visions and hear unreal voices.
Undoubtedly, having a loved one suffer from this condition can be devastating, but it is rather relieving to learn that with befitting support, you can help such a loved one experience a beautiful life.
How then can you handle a loved one with schizophrenia?
Urge them to take charge of their lives
Self-help is crucial in managing schizophrenia, and the patient must commit to recovery deliberately. This involves adhering to the treatment regimen prescribed by health practitioners, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The loved one in question must devote him or herself to stress management, healthy dieting, exercise and social interaction. This will go a long way toward amplifying their life satisfaction. Additionally, this will prevent withdrawal while elevating the patient’s self-esteem.
When your loved one takes responsibility for their lives and sees the proportionate reward in terms of their recovery, they tend to feel less helpless and hopeless. Consequently, you must be there to lovingly spur the individual to sustain this self-help routine.
Ensure you leverage support
It is imperative not to overrate your capacity when managing a loved one with schizophrenia. It would help if you maximized robust support networks to equip you with the right facility to handle the patient properly. These support groups outfit you with the mental fortitude, nuggets and even medical recommendations to better handle the situation and accelerate the path of your loved one toward sustainable recovery.
Most of these support networks have professionals trained…