Being a caregiver is an important role you play in your loved one’s life. It can require you to be an advocate and a cheerleader, a confidante and a friend, through the good days as well as the bad. The information below may help you and your loved one better navigate living with schizophrenia.
Spotting the symptoms of a schizophrenia relapse
Sometimes, schizophrenia symptoms can cause daily activities to become a challenge. Schizophrenia also affects everyone differently. The types of symptoms experienced may vary from person to person.
Sometimes, schizophrenia symptoms can cause daily activities to become a challenge. Schizophrenia also affects everyone differently. The types of symptoms experienced may vary from person to person.
Contact your loved one’s treatment team if you start to notice any worsening symptoms, which may include:
- Irrational statements or behavior
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Exaggerated or distorted perceptions, beliefs, and
behaviors - Emotional and social withdrawal
- Difficulty thinking
- Decreased feelings of pleasure
- Trouble paying attention or making decisions
- Impaired memory and speech
- Irrational statements or behavior
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Exaggerated or distorted perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors
- Emotional and social withdrawal
- Difficulty thinking
- Decreased feelings of pleasure
- Trouble paying attention or making decisions
- Impaired memory and speech
Caring for yourself
When caring for someone it can be easy to overlook your own needs. The more support that you have for yourself, the better you will be able to care for the ones you love.
Give yourself credit
Caring for someone living with schizophrenia is a meaningful role. Remember—what you do each day is important and makes a difference.
Focus on wellness
Setting time aside for yourself is ok. Establishing tools that can help you manage your day-to-day is key to maintaining your well-being.
- Socialize with friends and family
- Use stress-management techniques, like deep breathing and meditation
- Eat foods that provide you with energy
- Try and keep your body moving
Watch out for stress
If you are experiencing signs of stress such as exhaustion, feeling depressed, irritability, or changes in eating or sleeping habits, reach out for help.
Ask for help
The more support you have for yourself, the better you will be able to provide quality care.
- Join a support group with other people who are caregivers
- Get in touch with a therapist
- Contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness for programs to support caregivers of people with mental illness
Tap into the treatment team
Your treatment team can be a good source of emotional and practical support. After all, that’s why they are there.
Learn more about mental health resources that can help you or your loved one