There are many ways to become — and remain — an ally to support someone with schizophrenia.
Family and friends of those living with schizophrenia often do their best to support their loved one initially — but for some people it can become increasingly difficult, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the condition or how to handle a crisis.
Symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions or hallucinations, may put a strain on relationships. And at times, you may even feel ill-equipped to handle the effects of the condition on your loved one.
You might find yourself feeling frustrated by a lack of progress in their treatment, or feel anxious if their treatment plan doesn’t work out.
While friends and family want the best for their loved one, the most common challenge is not really knowing how to help or offer sustained support.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tips, to help you become — and remain — an ally to your loved one living with schizophrenia.
Educate yourself
Many misconceptions and stigma surround schizophrenia.
For example, due to sensationalist media stories, people with schizophrenia are often portrayed as being violent, when in reality people with this condition are more likely to be the victim of violence.
Similarly, some people think that schizophrenia causes a “split personality.” However, dissociative identity disorder, the proper term for what used to be called “split personality” or “multiple personality,” is a separate condition.
Due to these and other misconceptions, your initial reaction when you hear that someone you know and care about has schizophrenia may be worry and fear.
By educating yourself about schizophrenia — including its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and common myths — you can get a clearer understanding of what your loved one is experiencing.
It also allows you to be an ally. For instance, you can do this by using scientific evidence to speak out against discrimination that people with schizophrenia face.
2. Stick by and advocate for them
For someone with schizophrenia, having people they trust who will stick by them no matter the circumstances is important.
Speak up against discrimination and stigma. Some people with schizophrenia experience internalized stigma, which may affect the person’s self-esteem and self-efficacy.
In turn, this may affect various aspects of their life, including personal relationships, overall quality of life, or the effectiveness of treatment plans.
Internalized stigma may even increase risk of suicidal thoughts or intent.
Therefore, researchers have highlighted the importance of preventing internalized stigma and promoting positive beliefs about oneself.
By advocating for someone with schizophrenia, you may help them overcome internalized stigma and improve self-esteem, which may improve treatment outcomes overall.
Family and friends of those living with schizophrenia often do their best to support their loved one initially — but for some people it can become increasingly difficult, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the condition or how to handle a crisis.
Symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions or hallucinations, may put a strain on relationships. And at times, you may even feel ill-equipped to handle the effects of the condition on your loved one.
You might find yourself feeling frustrated by a lack of progress in their treatment, or feel anxious if their treatment plan doesn’t work out.
While friends and family want the best for their loved one, the most common challenge is not really knowing how to help or offer sustained support.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tips, to help you become — and remain — an ally to your loved one living with schizophrenia.
Educate yourself
Many misconceptions and stigma surround schizophrenia.
For example, due to sensationalist media stories, people with schizophrenia are often portrayed as being violent, when in reality people with this condition are more likely to be the victim of violence.
Similarly, some people think that schizophrenia causes a “split personality.” However, dissociative identity disorder, the proper term for what used to be called “split personality” or “multiple personality,” is a separate condition.
Due to these and other misconceptions, your initial reaction when you hear that someone you know and care about has schizophrenia may be worry and fear.
By educating yourself about schizophrenia — including its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and common myths — you can get a clearer understanding of what your loved one is experiencing.
It also allows you to be an ally. For instance, you can do this by using scientific evidence to speak out against discrimination that people with schizophrenia face.
2. Stick by and advocate for them
For someone with schizophrenia, having people they trust who will stick by them no matter the circumstances is important.
Speak up against discrimination and stigma. Some people with schizophrenia experience internalized stigma, which may affect the person’s self-esteem and self-efficacy.
In turn, this may affect various aspects of their life, including personal relationships, overall quality of life, or the effectiveness of treatment plans.
Internalized stigma may even increase risk of suicidal thoughts or intent.
Therefore, researchers have highlighted the importance of preventing internalized stigma and promoting positive beliefs about oneself.
By advocating for someone with schizophrenia, you may help them overcome internalized stigma and improve self-esteem, which may improve treatment outcomes overall.