What support services are available for schizophrenia?
Additional Resources and Support
- Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America. Schizophrenia Alliance (self-help group) Meet the Scientist webinars. Find a local support group.
- Mental Health America. Live Your Life Well. (800) 969-6642.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Discussion groups. (800) 950-NAMI (6264)
Can you force a schizophrenic to get help?
It can be both emotionally and legally difficult to force a person with a mental disorder to get treated, but if a loved one becomes dangerous, friends and family members may need to call the police to take the person to the hospital, according to NAMI.
What to do if you suspect someone has schizophrenia?
If you think someone you know may have symptoms of schizophrenia, talk to him or her about your concerns. Although you can’t force someone to seek professional help, you can offer encouragement and support and help your loved one find a qualified doctor or mental health professional.
Can schizophrenia be managed without professional help?
There’s no cure for schizophrenia. If you’re diagnosed with this disorder, you’ll need lifelong treatment. Treatments can control or reduce the severity of symptoms. It’s important to get treatment from a psychiatrist or mental health professional who has experience treating people with this disorder.
How can a family member help with schizophrenia?
Try these organizations for help:
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has an information helpline (800-950-NAMI), referral service, and programs for individuals and families.
- The Treatment Advocacy Center has information about treatment options.
How can family and friends help with schizophrenia?
If you are the family, friend or carer of someone with schizophrenia, these are some things you can do to help: Focus on the person’s strengths – the things they enjoy or are good at. Keep reminding them that they have a role as a member of their family and community. Consider doing a family psychoeducation program.
How do you get a mental help for someone who doesn’t want it?
Here are a few things to consider when working with your loved one who doesn’t want help:
- Listen and validate. If your relationship is iffy, it doesn’t hurt to just listen.
- Ask questions.
- Resist the urge to fix or give advice.
- Explore options together.
- Take care of yourself and find your own support.
Why do schizophrenics not seek help?
Many people with schizophrenia suffer from anosognosia, which means they don’t understand that they’re sick—and, therefore, may not understand the need for treatment. Antipsychotic medication can cause side effects such as major weight gain, muscle spasms, and reduced sexual drive.
How do you have a relationship with schizophrenia?
Open and clear communication can help people who have schizophrenia find the support they need as well as understand what’s expected of them in the relationship. In addition to individual therapy, couples therapy can help both partners cope with the effects of schizophrenia on the relationship.
What should you not say to someone with schizophrenia?
What not to say to someone with schizophrenia
- Don’t be rude or unsupportive.
- Don’t bully them into doing something they don’t want to do.
- Don’t interrupt them.
- Don’t assume you know what they need.
- Don’t second guess or diagnose them.
- Don’t use words that make you seem like an enemy.
- Start a dialogue, not a debate.
How can I help someone with paranoid schizophrenia?
Topic Overview
- Don’t argue.
- Use simple directions, if needed.
- Give the person enough personal space so that he or she does not feel trapped or surrounded.
- Call for help if you think anyone is in danger.
- Move the person away from the cause of the fear or from noise and activity, if possible.
Can a schizophrenic get married?
Most patients with mental illness can give consent for marriage and even patients with psychotic illness can give consent when they do not have acute symptoms. Judiciary recognizes marriage as social institution of both sacramental and contractual nature.