Guide for the Caregivers of Schizophrenic Persons
How can you help someone with Schizophrenia cope better?
Caregivers and families play a vital role in helping their loved ones with Schizophrenia cope with the illness. The 4-S System is a plan of action that suggests practical tools that work in real daily life:
1. Structure
o Develop predictable and nonthreatening routines
o Break tasks into small, more manageable steps
o Make gradual changes to routine activities to prevent boredom
o Keep decision-making functions simple and let the person decide
2. Stimulation
o Introduce something new especially when interest is shown
o Start with simple everyday activities with familiar people
o Don't over-expect, such as immediate response or enjoyment
o Praise every positive achievement, but don't overdo it
3. Socialization
o Encourage interaction even if contact is brief or superficial
o Encourage family, friends, and others to maintain contact
o When appropriate, factually advise on issues of sexuality
4. Support
o Involve siblings in coping with the illness
o Prepare children of parents with Schizophrenia for better coping
o Call in a third party to help settle disagreement among family
Handling Especially Difficult Situations
What can be done if the person with Schizophrenia becomes restless and agitated?
There are occasions when the person with Schizophrenia may be extremely agitated, manifesting difficult behaviors. Here's what to do:
o Do not confront him in any way
o Remain calm
o Stay in control
o Keep a close watch on him
o Do not leave him alone
o Make sure that he will not hurt himself or anyone
o Ensure that he has no access to sharp or dangerous objects
o Consult your mental health professional right away
What is the best way to handle difficult situations with a person with Schizophrenia?
The general approach to difficult situations is best defined and summarized by the 3 C's:
1. Communicate directly, honestly, and with understanding. Do not crowd, rush, or touch the person.
2. Calm and safe environments must be provided. Remove items that may pose threat or danger.
3. Control the situation by being firm, quietly assertive and reassuring.
What to do if suicidal thoughts are noted
Suicide is a serious problem, especially for people with Schizophrenia. Almost 10% of persons with Schizophrenia commit suicide.
If there are thoughts of suicide, it is critical that the person gets immediate help. The person with Schizophrenia should speak to members of the family and doctor. An increase in medication, use of antidepressant, and psychological support will help patient overcome this. Hospitalization may be needed.
The family or caregivers should take their patient seriously if the latter expressed suicidal thoughts and consult the doctor right away,
Next: Relapse - What to Do in Case of Relapse
Annabel's schizophrenia’s story
ReplyDeleteCanada
My daughter (Annabel) suffered schizophrenia for 5 years. I had no idea what was happening and didn’t know where to turn for help. It was hard then because I really didn’t understand the symptoms earlier until she was diagnosed. There was a time she decided to get away from everyone, I was not excluded. I had to sit and cry almost every day because I felt helpless as a single mother (she is all I have got). The anguish I went through taking care of her alone is beyond explanation because there was no support of whatsoever from the dad or family members. I fought for proper medical care and humane treatment; I did everything within my reach to get her cured but all to no avail. Countless different medications was prescribed (Zyprexa, fluphenazine, Risperdal, quetiapine, etc.) that she was taking but all we could get was myriad of side effects such as rigidity, drowsiness, dizziness, tremors and restlessness which tends to worsen the already damaged situation. Frustration was the order of the day. I wrote couple of messages to Ontario Mental Health Foundation for help because watching my daughter go through such was devastating. It was at this foundation someone shared a testimony about VEEMEON herbal medicine, how effective it is and how she went through the most difficult times of her life trying to help her mom fight Schizophrenia. Being that I was already at the verge of giving up because I just couldn't imagine waking up every morning to fight the same demons that left me so tired the night before. I had to contact the doctor, from our conversation; I was relieved and convinced that the result is going to be positive because I was made to contact people with worse cases. Today, the awful situation of my daughter has gone by. Her happy life is back. She is now a schizophrenia survivor and I am glad because my daily routine activities can now kick off without obstructions. Don't let Schizophrenia hinder you from living a desired life and also, never allow anyone decide for you especially when they don't know what you have to go through to get to where you are. I was almost discouraged by the doctor but then, I remembered that: I have to shield my daughter’s destiny with courage, faith and perseverance because she is not in her right state of mind and that the bravery and freedom from fear is found in the ‘doing’. Her life is now a testimony. After my daughter got cured, she said, Mom “I just thought, ‘Well, I’m a weirdo, I’ll never be normal, then I said, my daughter, life itself is a misery and we get stronger in the places we have been broken. Thanks to you Dr. Austin for your excellent counseling, no more psychotic symptoms for the past 3 years and 4 months now. To know more about Dr. Austin and the effectiveness of his Herbs, You can view his blog: schizophreniacures.blogspot.com. I believe you will testify just like me.