Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder that can greatly affect the mental functioning and well-being of those who suffer from it. People with schizophrenia may hear voices, feel confused emotions, and sometimes speak in an incomprehensible or nonsensical way. However, there are various things you can do to improve your dialogue with a schizophrenic person.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Learn about Schizophrenia
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia
Some are more noticeable than others, but by learning about the hardest-to-detect symptoms, you'll better understand what the person you're talking to is going through. Among the symptoms of schizophrenia it is possible to find:
- Unfounded expressions of suspicion;
- Unusual or strange fears, for example when the schizophrenic person says that someone wants to harm him.
- Hallucinations or alterations in sensory experiences: for example, seeing, tasting, smelling, hearing or feeling things that others do not perceive at the same time, in the same place and in the same situation.
- Disorganized speech, both in written and oral form. Association of facts that have no links to each other. Conclusions that are not based on facts.
- "Negative" symptoms (ie, limitation of normal behavior or mental functioning), such as absence of emotion (also known as anhedonia), eye contact and facial expressions, lack of hygiene or social isolation.
- Unusual, quirky, worn, badly or inappropriately worn clothing (a rolled up sleeve or trouser leg for no apparent reason, mismatched colors, and so on).
- Abnormal or disorganized motor behavior, through strange positions or repeated and / or excessive unnecessary movements, such as buttoning and unbuttoning or raising and lowering the zipper of the jacket.
Step 2. Compare symptoms with those of schizoid personality disorder
The latter is part of the schizophrenic spectrum. Both are characterized by the difficulty of expressing emotions or establishing social relationships. However, there are some important differences. People with schizoid personality disorder are in contact with reality and do not suffer from hallucinations or constant paranoia. Their speeches are normal and easy to follow. They develop and demonstrate a propensity for loneliness, have little or no sexual desire, and can get confused between the cues of non-verbal communication and social interactions.
Although part of the schizophrenic spectrum, it is not schizophrenia, so the methods described here that teach you to relate to people with schizophrenia should not be applied to people with schizoid personality disorder
Step 3. Do not assume that you are dealing with a schizophrenic person
Even if a person exhibits symptoms of schizophrenia, do not automatically assume that they have this psychosis. Avoid getting it wrong by jumping to conclusions.
- If you are unsure, try asking the friends and family of the person in question.
- Do it gently, say for example: "I want to avoid saying or doing something wrong, so I wanted to ask if X has a mental disorder, maybe schizophrenia? I'm sorry if I have made a mistake, but I have noticed some symptoms and I would like to be sure. to treat him with respect ".
Step 4. Try to empathize
Once you have learned to recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia, do your best to put yourself in the shoes of the person suffering from this debilitating disease. By putting your empathic skills on the emotional and cognitive front to good use, you will be able to observe the world from their perspective and establish a good relationship because you will be less inclined to judge, but more patient and attentive to their needs.
While it is not easy to imagine what it feels like to live with certain symptoms of schizophrenia, you can always think about what it feels like to be out of control of your own mind and possibly not being aware of this lack or the surrounding world
Part 2 of 2: Have a Conversation
Step 1. Speak slowly, but don't be condescending
Remember that the other person may hear background noises or voices while you are talking and therefore have problems understanding. Therefore, it is essential to express yourself clearly, calmly and without fidgeting, as your nerves may give in from hearing other voices.
Voices he hears may criticize him while you are speaking
Step 2. Be aware of delusions
Delusions are misconceptions that occur in four out of five people with schizophrenia, so don't underestimate the possibility that the person in front of you is experiencing a delusional experience while you are talking. For example, he may believe that you or some external entity, such as the CIA or a neighbor, are controlling his mind, or seeing you as an angel of the Lord or whatever.
- Try to get a clearer idea of the delusions your interlocutor is most often manifesting so that you know what information to filter out during your conversations.
- Be aware that the person may exhibit symptoms of megalomania. Do not forget that you are talking to someone who may think they are famous, powerful, or that they have gone beyond the realm of ordinary logic.
- Try to be nice when you talk, without flattering too much or exaggerating compliments.
Step 3. Never speak as if the schizophrenic person was not present
Don't rule him out, even if he's going through a delusional experience or hallucination. Under these circumstances, keep in mind that he always maintains a pinch of awareness of what is around him and, therefore, he may be mortified by hearing you speak as if he were not next to you.
If you need to talk to someone else about him, say it so you don't hurt him or find a good time to do it in private
Step 4. Talk to other people who know the schizophrenic person
You have a lot to learn about the most effective way to relate to him. Ask friends and family (if they have any) or the person who cares for them. Try asking a few questions, such as:
- Has he been aggressive in the past?
- Have you ever been arrested?
- Are you experiencing any particular delusions or hallucinations that I should be aware of?
- How should I react if I am in certain situations with this person?
Step 5. Make a backup plan
Know how to leave if the conversation goes wrong or if you fear for your own safety.
Try to think ahead of time on how to reassure the schizophrenic to drive away anger or paranoia. Maybe there is something you can do to make him feel comfortable. For example, if he is convinced that some authority is spying on him, suggest that he cover the windows with aluminum foil so that he feels safe and protected from environmental wiretapping and control attempts by spying devices
Step 6. Prepare to accept unusual things
Keep calm and don't react. A person with schizophrenia tends to behave and speak differently than someone who does not have it. Don't laugh, don't joke, and don't make fun of her if she expresses wrong reasoning or thoughts. If he scares you or you feel in danger and you feel he might follow up on his threats, call the police.
If you can imagine what life would be like with such a complex and delicate disorder, you will also understand the gravity of the situation and that there is nothing to laugh about such a problem
Step 7. Encourage medication
Sometimes people with schizophrenia don't want to take medicine. However, it is very important that they continue to take them. If he insinuates during a conversation that you should stop taking your medications, you could:
- Suggest that you consult your doctor before making such an important decision.
- Remind him that if he feels better, it may be due to the use of drugs, but that to continue to feel good he should not stop taking them.
Step 8. Avoid feeding his delusions
If he falls into paranoia and suspects that you are plotting something against him, avoid looking him straight in the eye, as you risk adding to his delirium.
- If he thinks you're writing something about him, don't text him while he's watching you.
- If he thinks you are stealing something from him, avoid being alone with him in his room or house for too long.
Advice
- Ken Steele has published a beautiful book entitled The Day the Voices Stopped, which can help you understand what people with this disease go through and how to manage a person who has recovered from schizophrenia.
- Go find the schizophrenic person and try to talk to him as if you were in front of a normal person, regardless of his mental condition.
- Don't treat it from top to bottom and don't use childish words or phrases. An adult subject with schizophrenia is always an adult.
- Don't assume that it will automatically become violent or dangerous. The vast majority of people with schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses are no more aggressive than others.
- Don't act like you're alarmed by the symptoms.
Warnings
- If you call the police, be sure to inform the officer over the phone of the subject's psychological diagnosis so the cops know who they are dealing with.
- Schizophrenic individuals have a stronger suicidal tendency than others. If the person you are talking to seems to be considering committing suicide, it is important to seek help right away by calling the police or a suicide line, such as Phone Friendly on 199 284 284.
- If the schizophrenic person is going through a hallucinatory experience, think about your own safety. Remember that it is a disease that can trigger paranoid and delusional crises and that, although the person shows an absolutely friendly attitude, he could behave in an unpredictable way.
